An offseason removed from losing the best player in franchise history, the Oklahoma City Thunder get a chance to retool through the 2017 NBA Draft.
It’s been a tumultuous year for the Oklahoma City Thunder, filled with both highs and lows. From the nadir of losing Kevin Durant to the zenith of Russell Westbrook‘s historic triple-double campaign, 2016-17 is a season fans of the Midwestern franchise won’t soon forget.
Now that the dust has settled a bit, it’s time to look forward. Not with an eye on the Golden State Warriors anymore, but truly towards the future. We take our next step towards that future at the 2017 NBA Draft.
Though it has been called one of the deepest draft classes in recent memory by many pundits, the Thunder still find themselves in a bit of a bind. Because of their 47-win regular season and eventual first round defeat in the playoffs, Oklahoma City will be picking 21st overall — not exactly a spot that is sure to land an eventual contributor, let alone a star.
Even so, general manager Sam Presti is one of the best in the business. Under his guidance, the Thunder have a better chance of finding something worthwhile (even late in the first round) than most other franchises.
One thing’s for sure, though: It won’t be easy. Here are five potential Oklahoma City targets for pick No. 21.
Honorable mentions: Rodions Kurucs (projected to go early second round), Tyler Lydon (higher-upside option at No. 21), Terrance Ferguson (too raw to contribute anytime soon)