OKC Thunder mailbag: How will Sam Presti handle picks in 2024 NBA Draft?

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OKC Thunder mailbag: How will Sam Presti handle picks in 2024 NBA Draft?

Joel Lorenzi, The Oklahoman · The Oklahoman

Tue, Jan 30, 2024 ·

4 min read

@OKCObstinacy: If we get three draft picks this year, how would Sam Presti use them?

It's so difficult to say this far out from the draft. The draft cycle has been recognized as relatively weak for a while, but its top prospects could look different come June. I'm not saying there's anyone that would make Sam Presti 's fingers twitch, but it's possible that there's someone that both has upside and seemingly leans into a need in OKC's draft range.

And as fans have made painfully obvious in the past week, the Thunder could theoretically trade up in that case. Many are hoping it does so that it can pair Jalen Williams with his brother, Colorado forward Cody Williams, who's been mocked in this draft's top-3.

Personally, I think the idea of being loose with assets for the sake of the synergy those two could have is a funny way for people to think of a general manager's job. But if there's a pathway to it that isn't overkill, and if Presti also sees variables with Cody that could lead to immediate impact the way his last few rookies have contributed, it wouldn't hurt.

But by then OKC will have played in a playoff series or two. It'll know what it needs. It'll have a better idea of what its timeline is with this core group and whether it has the time to wait around on another young player's upside.

That's why I'd probably lean toward the idea that OKC deals the picks for whatever piece(s) it might need. One thing is certain: If Presti has to trade up for someone, draft someone at No. 12, use two of the picks, whatever it is — he's going to maximize the value there. He wants to squeeze the juice out of every pick, and bet on as much upside as possible. Not just because this is an important offseason for this team. But it's the way he's wired. See his involvement in the James Harden trade.

OKC general Sam Presti and the Thunder have a stockpile of picks to work with in the 2024 NBA Draft.

General manager Sam Presti and the Thunder sit near the top of the Western Conference at trade deadline.

@thunder_draft: What are the chances that this front office DOESN'T address the rebounding issue via adding a new player to the roster this season?

It feels like the top priority is to see this team rock out without any seismic changes. No Lauri Markkanen , no other star, no other creator, nada. People have long moved on from those ideas anyway since they realized the team might actually be good.

I think the organization is doing everything it can to keep from corrupting what it has. That means avoiding throwing a cat into a mix of dogs. Disrupting its formula with anything less than additive. It's still learning the team. The players are still learning from each other. They haven't faced the duress of a postseason together.

Rebounding has arguably been the most glaring issue for a relatively mature young team. But that's part of the sacrifice it's accepted with its playstyle. Is there a move that'd allow them to continue their offensive flow and defend even better (and rebound)? Probably. But that player would be layered.

They'd probably be a fluid frontcourt guy that'd add to the effort on the glass, probably be a good help defender that guards forwards, probably be a good shooter and probably not take away from the offensive workloads OKC's Big Three has taken on. A holy, made-of-gold connector.

I seriously doubt OKC would add anybody strictly for rebounding, especially a non-shooter. If it did, I imagine it would be a low risk, situational big who doubles as a locker room presence. That voice, that maturity — those would probably be the most valuable part of said player.

To make future editions of the mailbag, email questions to jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or message him on Twitter @jxlorenzi.

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@OKCObstinacy: If we get three draft picks this year, how would Sam Presti use them?

@thunder_draft: What are the chances that this front office DOESN'T address the rebounding issue via adding a new player to the roster this season?