12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Rayan Rupert, G, France
I believe that, at least in the Western Conference, it’s safe to say that the Oklahoma City Thunder is the team that many believe to be “up next.” If they can get healthy heading into next season, this is a team that has the firepower and talent to play with many of the playoff teams that qualified this season. They made the Play-In Tournament this season and nearly qualified for the playoffs. If they had, they would be a year ahead.
However, next season, this team is going to be one that is on everyone’s radar. And during the offseason, they’ll have a chance to add even more talent to their well. And one player that could be selected at No. 12 to help on that front is Rayan Rupert, an intriguing guard prospect out of France.
Known for his prowess on the defensive end, Rupert is a prospect that climbs into the lottery based on his potential. If he measures up well in the pre-draft process, Rupert should be a top 20 pick. But that’s a big question considering that he’s coming over from France. He’s young and raw, but extremely talented.
If the Thunder truly invest in him, he could be a very good player for a very long time in OKC.