Thunder Journal: Final 2023 OKC Big Board
Happy Draft Week, Thunder fans.
The national holiday recognized by 14 lottery team fans every June will be celebrated by Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City faithful this Thursday night.
The special occasion has me dusting off my DT Journal and energized to talk draft prospects. I’ve done more homework on this year’s pick 12 targets than I did in 12 elementary, junior high and high school years.
After watching endless YouTube draft videos, reading countless strengths and weaknesses, scrolling through boundless social media debates and perusing innumerable scouting reports, I’ve decided there are exactly 15 players that I’d be excited to see added to this young Thunder core on draft night.
This isn’t exactly a lottery big board because there’s one too many players. Let’s just call it my Thunder Big Board.
1. Victor Wembanyama
The Chet-Wemby frontcourt dream was fun while it lasted.
2. Scoot Henderson
The Hornets would be harebrained to pass up on Henderson.
3. Brandon Miller
There's a decent chance the Thunder take a Miller, but it won’t be this one.
4. Taylor Hendricks
He’s a 6’10” shot-blocker and rebounder that shot nearly 40% from three on high volume. A Hendricks-Holmgren frontcourt would provide elite rim protection and provide so much space for SGA, JDub and Giddey. This is the Thunder’s best trade-up candidate, as Hendricks fills OKC’s biggest need and should be gettable by moving up to pick 8 or 9.
Daily Thunder Staff
5. Jarace Walker
Walker is an eite defensive big who can guard 3-5 and has a high feel for the game and playmaking abilities. A Walker-Chet frontcourt would be the NBA equivalent of the old New York Giants running back duo of Ron Dayne and Tiki Barber, appropriately named Thunder and Lightning.
6. Cason Wallace
My top six all have one thing in common: they’re all two-way players. One of the best defenders in this draft with vastly underrated shooting, scoring and playmaking skills, Wallace would be in most mocks’ Top 5 if he was two inches taller.
