On December 22, Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report launched his most up-to-date 2023 NBA Mock Draft. In Wasserman’s hypothetical, the Oklahoma City Thunder had been slotted ninth.
The draft specialist used the December 20 NBA standings to find out the choice order. With what can be the group’s fifth prime 10 choose since relocating to OKC, Wasserman had the Thunder deciding on Houston Cougars ahead Jarace Walker.
Walker was a five-star recruit in 2022, ranked as a prime 15 participant in the nation in line with the 247Sports Composite rankings. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound freshman is initially from Pennsylvania, however performed on the prestigious IMG Academy in highschool.
This season, Walker is averaging 9.5 factors, 6.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists and one steal per recreation whereas taking pictures 49% from the sphere. Earlier this month, in a win over then-No. 2 Virginia, the New Freedom, Pennsylvania, native confirmed why his expertise is so alluring.
Against the Cavaliers, Walker scored 17 factors, going 6-of-11 from the sphere and 2-of-3 past the arc. The Cougars huge man additionally added seven rebounds, 4 assists, one steal and one block in No. 3 Houston’s eight-point victory.
With Chet Holmgren doubtless taking on the Thunder’s middle spot when he returns from harm subsequent season, Walker might simply slot in as Oklahoma City’s different beginning huge man, fortifying an space of weak spot.
In the second spherical of Wasserman’s mock draft, OKC tabbed a well-known face, Sidy Cissoko of the G League Ignite. It is probably going that scouts in the Thunder group have already got an eye fixed on Cissoko, contemplating the Blue hosted the Ignite for a two-game stretch earlier this season.
In two video games towards OKC’s G League affiliate, the 6-foot-8 prospect scored a mixed 12 factors whereas taking pictures 4-of-15 from the sphere. While his stats might not be eye-popping, Cissoko’s youth, measurement and defensive acumen leaves scouts questioning what the tantalizing French wing might blossom into.
With Oklahoma City doubtless in the lottery as soon as once more, it is vital for the Thunder to land one other priceless prospect who can contribute to the group’s climb again up the mountain.
Historically, OKC and Sam Presti have drafted extraordinarily nicely, deciding on future MVP winners Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden in three consecutive drafts. Additionally, the Thunder GM has drafted quite a few gifted gamers similar to; Domantas Sabonis, Reggie Jackson, Serge Ibaka, Steven Adams and Cam Payne, amongst others.
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