NBA Mock Draft 9.0: NY Knicks trade up for a PG; Magic go rogue at No. 1

NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Jabari Smith Jr. (John Reed-USA TODAY Sports)

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jabari Smith, F, Auburn

With Paolo Banchero off the board at this point, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have – really – two options with the No. 3 pick. They could either take the unanimous No. 1 prospect in Chet Holmgren or take a semi-risk with Jabari Smith who is probably considered a better fit.

Smith is more developed on the offensive end than Holmgren and would give Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a running mate that could potentially help take this team to another level. It wouldn’t be surprising if OKC went with Holmgren, but I perceive Smith as the smarter play.

Then again, OKC general manager Sam Presti is one of the best in the business and who am I to question what he would do? Still, Smith would be the better fit for OKC.