NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Getting to know Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren

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NBA Draft prospect Jaden Ivey (Journal-Courier)Bkc Purdue Vs Omaha /

6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue

Getting a quality No. 2 (with all respect to Josh Giddey, who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his rookie season) for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should be the priority for the Oklahoma City Thunder heading into the 2022 NBA Draft.

One potential fit or target for the team should be Jaden Ivey. And through the first few games of his sophomore season, he’s already beginning to catch the eye of draft scouts. Ivey is a great athlete and has great size for a guard at 6-foot-4.

He’s also made improvements to his game from his freshman to sophomore season. He’s become a better playmaker – he’s averaging nearly four assists per game this season, compared to just two last season – and has put in the work when it comes to his shooting. He’s shooting the 3 at a 43 percent clip compared to just 26 percent last season.