The Oklahoma City Thunder drafted four players in the 2021 NBA Draft. These four selections: Josh Giddey out of Adelaide, Tre Mann out of Florida, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl out of Villanova and Aaron Wiggins out of Maryland. Giddey, not coming out of college, looks like an interesting prospect. To be fair, all of their prospects are going to be very interesting to look forward to. How OKC handles the rotations and minutes is anyone’s guess but these guys are sure to possibly see some minutes.
Giddey comes from Australia where he played professionally with the 36ers. He had a very good year last year when he put up some nice stats (10.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 1.1 steals a game). Despite the very fun stats, his shooting splits need to improve (43% FG, 29% 3-PT, 69% FT). The splits don’t matter a ton since he went to the best possible situation in Oklahoma so his development will be OKC’s main priority. His court vision and his smooth ability to finish at the rim are some of his other strengths. OKC also loves the fact that he’s only 18 years old so he can have all the time in the world to develop. His height is an anomaly for point guards (6-8) so putting up the fun stat lines for this team won’t be difficult. However, some issues include his size (6-8 wingspan, 205lbs), jump shot, athleticism and defensive capabilities. If he can bulk up and improve on his defense, his ceiling could be astronomical.
Mann is coming off of a stellar season at Florida in which he averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.4 steals a game. His efficiency is also very good, shooting 46% FG, 40% from three and 83% from the line. His athleticism and size (6-5, 190lbs) combined could help him become a very reliable slasher/shot creator at the next level. Areas of improvement include his decision-making (2.8 TO’s compared to 3.5 assists a game) and his strength (only 190lbs). If he could bulk up and improve his strength and improve his playmaking abilities, he could be a very good steal for this team. Just keep an eye on Kemba Walker to see if he stays or not.
Earl had a good sophomore season with Villanova in which he put up 15.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, one steal and .6 blocks a game. He made the Third Team All American NABC, SN, Big East Co Player of the Year and First Team All Big East last year. Earl can easily jump into the rotation in OKC due to his versatility and ability to play stellar defense. His size (6-9, 240lbs) and athleticism can allow him to play down low and defend 3-5. His main issue is his shooting in which he shot only 29% from three. If he can improve his shooting, he can be a very reliable two-way player and another major steal for this squad.
Wiggins averaged 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game in his senior year at Maryland. Although a streaky shooter, he can light it up any given night (1.8 attempts made out of 5.2). At the next level, he can be a reliable three-point scorer and shooter off the dribble. OKC is going to give him minutes later on in the season so expect him to put up some points. He’ll more than likely start off in the G-League to begin the season.
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