NBA Mock Draft: Spurs land Victor Wembanyama; Blazers jump into top 3

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky

At No. 12, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have the liberty to take the best player available. There aren’t many holes on this roster and truly, this team just needs to continue to develop their young core. Maybe they add a veteran in free agency? Either way, all eyes will be on OKC to make a jump in the standings.

If anything, the biggest priority for the Thunder heading into this year’s NBA Draft is being able to identify a potential fit next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. And Cason Wallace could be that player. He’s a great defender and could be the team’s primary playmaker in the future. If he can find consistency as an on-ball aggressor, Wallace has the chance to be a starting point guard in the NBA for a very long time.

At the very least, Wallace should be able to play a role on the defensive end of the floor while offering 3-point shooting offensively. He has a high floor for a point guard taken late in the lottery and still has the upside where he’d be a worthy selection at No. 12 for the Thunder.

OKC will end up being one of the more intriguing teams in the league heading into next season. If this is the year that the Thunder’s young core matures, they could end up being one of the most dangerous teams in the West next season.