Thunder predicted to draft 6-foot-10 wing to back up Lou Dort, Jalen Williams, add offensive upside

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently in the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder lost a very close Game 1 that went into double overtime.

Facing the Spurs is no easy task, especially when having to deal with Victor Wembanyama every game. For the first time in a couple of years, the Thunder look like they may have finally met their match.

“For the first time in some time, the Thunder seemingly aren’t the ones imposing their will. San Antonio is,” SI’s Derek Parker wrote.

However, in just over a month, Oklahoma City will shift its focus to the NBA Draft, where the franchise owns two first-round picks. The biggest question heading into the draft is whether the Thunder will trade up or stay put.

“There is a lot of curiosity about whether the Thunder could try to package this pick and No. 17, which they own courtesy of the 76ers, to move up in the draft. Presti has also been known to trade picks for potentially higher-upside selections in later years,” ESPN’s Tim MacMahon wrote.

If the Thunder stay at the No. 12 spot, they could have the perfect player available. Nate Ament would be a tremendous value pick there and fits exactly what Oklahoma City needs long term.

“Honestly, this feels like the best-case landing spot for Nate Ament. The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a position where they can be patient with a young player and let him grow naturally. They also have a real long-term need on the wing. Outside of Lou Dort and Jalen Williams, the depth there isn’t amazing. Plus, with guys like Cason Wallace already handling defensive duties, Ament wouldn’t have to come in and carry a huge load immediately. He could just focus on being an offensive spark off the bench while developing at his own pace,” All For Tennessee’s Conner Linsner wrote.

Ament’s college career got off to a slow start, but later in the season he began showing why he was viewed so highly as a prospect. He has a big frame and possesses the ability to create off the dribble or operate in the post.

The Thunder pride themselves on defense, and Ament played under one of the best defensive coaches in the country in Rick Barnes. Ament would provide excellent depth because of his versatility, as he could realistically play anywhere from the three to the five position. If Oklahoma City lands Ament in the first round, it could end up being a massive steal.

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