Who will OKC take with the 2nd overall pick?
In last month’s NBA Draft lottery, OKC was lucky to win the second overall pick. Being able to pick in the top four of this year’s NBA Draft is enormous. It is a consensus that the top three players are a tier above the rest. The three players are Paolo Banchero, an elite PF from Duke. Jabari Smith is a very talented forward from Auburn.
And Chet Holmgren, a C from Gonzaga, looks to be a unicorn, which is someone that can develop into something we rarely see. The fourth is almost top tier; to some, he may be in that elite category. Jaden Ivey is a guard from Purdue freak athlete who can score from anywhere. The rumor is that Smith will go first, but I believe Chet Holmgren should go first to tag along with his high school teammate, Jalen Suggs.
That Leaves Banchero, Smith, or Ivey for OKC. Any four of those players will be a very high-level addition to the Thunder. The Thunder are strong at the guard position with Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey. A clear weakness of the Thunder is by far their forwards and center. The Thunder can’t go wrong with any of the top three players, but if I could select any, it would be Paolo Banchero, as he can bang with any forward in the league and even centers because of his size.
Banchero’s finesse and potential with such a large frame are beyond impressive. If they select Holmgren, they can get a player we have never seen before. Holmgren is 7-foot-1 with the handles of a guard and a smooth shot with elite rim protection. Jabari Smith is also a great pick, but the other two have a higher upside.