NBA Draft Tracker: Thunder Reports and Rumors

Could 24: Chet Holmgren Anticipated to Land with Thunder? 

At this level within the pre-draft course of, it seems the most probably prospect to be taken at No. 2 by Oklahoma Metropolis is Chet Holmgren. Moreover, groups across the league are beginning to consider that extra. Even Holmgren is reported to love the thought of touchdown with the Thunder within the upcoming draft, says Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

“Most NBA groups firmly consider that is a formality and that Smith is all however assured to turn out to be the highest decide. Smith, for his half, seems thrilled with that growth,” Givony mentioned. “So is Holmgren over his looming marriage with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, which can also be the overwhelming expectation from NBA executives with whom we spoke on the draft mix.”

Could 23: Caleb Houston Acquired Draft Promise from Thunder?

Each season, there’s a few gamers that probably may return to high school for an additional 12 months and be taken larger within the following draft. That is the case for Caleb Houstan, who entered his freshman season as a possible lottery decide however had an underwhelming faculty season at Michigan. 

Regardless, he entered the draft and seems to be right here to remain. The Athletic’s John Hollinger and Sam Vecenie famous this week that Houstan may have a draft promise from the Thunder, which is the explanation he is staying within the draft as a substitute of going again to school for an additional 12 months.

“Oklahoma Metropolis’s decide at No. 30 was the subject of different hypothesis. Michigan ahead Caleb Houstan was notably absent from the week’s proceedings, with many league insiders suspecting he had a promise from a workforce in return for shutting down his draft course of,” mentioned The Athletic. “Suspicion instantly went to the Thunder, given their surplus of picks and lengthy historical past of constructing their draft decide in April.”

Could 23: Oklahoma Metropolis is a Candidate to Transfer up in Draft

Even outdoors of their No. 2 decide, the Thunder have three extra picks within the high 34 of June’s draft. As such, they are a prime participant for consolidating these property and shifting up for a prospect they love. John Hollinger and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic famous Oklahoma Metropolis as one of many a number of golf equipment to keep watch over. 

“Different groups with a number of picks are anticipated to attempt to transfer up within the draft, which may make buying and selling down worthwhile for these choosing within the late lottery and teenagers,” The Athletic mentioned. “Oklahoma Metropolis, for example, has picks at No. 12 and No. 30 and a surfeit of future picks to sweeten a deal; utilizing these to maneuver up and nab a focused participant looks as if a no brainer. Different multi-first-rounder groups to observe embrace San Antonio (Nos. 9, 20 and 25), Charlotte (Nos. 13 and 15) and Memphis (Nos. 22 and 29). San Antonio, specifically, had a sea of employees on the mix intently watching the proceedings.”

Could 23: Orlando Magic Leaning Chet Holmgren at No. 1?

Whereas no workforce has solidified their board at this level within the pre-draft course of, Jabari Smith has gave the impression to be the consensus No. 1 decide by many. Nevertheless, John Hollinger and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic reported the Magic may very well be leaning in the direction of Chet Holmgren. Is that this a play for leverage, or is Holmgren actually being thought of on the high spot for Orlando? 

“Orlando successful the lottery may throw a monkey wrench on draft evening. Whereas most draft analysts have Jabari Smith Jr. rated as the highest prospect, John Hollinger Spies suppose the Magic are leaning towards deciding on Chet Holmgren,” mentioned The Athletic. “In fact, that will play to their sort. This entrance workplace’s observe file reveals an obsession with size, so one can simply join the dots there. Then again, some league insiders instantly second-guessed that first intuition. Are the Magic simply enjoying on their length-based repute to bait Oklahoma Metropolis into buying and selling up from No. 2? Let the sport of smoke indicators start.”

Could 22: One other Hyperlink Between Jaden Ivey and OKC

On a podcast with The Uncontested, Derek Murray of Babcock Hoops talked about that many across the league really suppose Ivey is within the high tier of this class and the Thunder have curiosity.

“There’s a case for a 4 man race,” Murray mentioned. “There may be not a giant three, there’s a huge 4. It’s Jaden Ivey. There have been hyperlinks to the Thunder and Ivey, buying and selling up, buying and selling down and choosing at two. From what I’ve been informed, these are actual and vital. The smoke is actual.”

Could 20: Thunder Have Curiosity in Jaden Ivey

Though Oklahoma Metropolis has the No. 2 decide in what’s thought of a 3 participant draft on the high, Jaden Ivey is a reputation the Thunder have been related to. In response to Krysten Peek of Yahoo Sports activities, there’s 4 prospects within the high tier of this class, including Ivey to the combination with Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero.

“There are primarily 4 gamers in play for the Thunder’s second decide: Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey,” mentioned Peek. “Smith and Holmgren are favorites to go on and two, however there have been rumblings this week on the draft mix in Chicago that the Thunder actually like Ivey and he may very well be Ja Morant 2.0.”

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