The Oklahoma City Thunder will enter the July 29 NBA Draft with a range far more extensive than others. Barring trades, Oklahoma City controls the most picks in the draft with six, while possessing picks 6, 16, and 18 in the first round, and selections 34, 36, and 55 in the second.
With this wide array of draft choices, Sam Presti and company has a wide peripheral on this year’s draft board — and they’re making sure to take advantage.
Here’s a list of confirmed players that have worked out or been interviewed by
the Thunder.
Note: Some players elect to not share workout information, this is only reports that have been made public
Duke forward Jalen Johnson (6-foot-8; 215 pounds; 19 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/24)
Current Assessment: Mid-Late Lottery
Johnson is one of the more intriguing players past the clear top five-or-six candidates. As a 6-foot-8 forward, Jalen Johnson has shown flashes of potential both as a ball handler and scorer across all-three levels of play. The main hitch with Johnson comes with his less than lustrous resume as in both high school (IMG Academy) and college (Duke) Johnson opted out of play in-season.
Tennessee guard Keon Johnson (6-foot-5; 186 pounds; 19 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/24)
Current Assessment: Mid-Late Lottery
For a lottery prospect, Keon Johnson may be the most polarizing prospect on the board — both by evaluation, and mock draft rankings. Anywhere from picks 7 to 17, if Johnson’s name is called, no one will be utterly shocked. Johnson set the max vertical record (48 inches) at the NBA Draft Combine, and his mix of leaping ability gives signs of a fan favorite. Excellent athlete with a solid grasp on rebounding, working in the mid-range, and finding angles, but he’ll need to sure up on shooting from distance.
Ignite forward Isaiah Todd (6-foot-10; 210 pounds; 19 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/24)
Draft Evaluation: Early to Mid Second Rounder
An expected riser from this draft class. Isaiah Todd currently is a projected second round prospect no matter the source. At 19-years-old however; Todd has the makeup of a late-first swing, or even an early snag in the second round — hint, hint, 34 and 36. Todd didn’t get the same screen time as lottery teammates Jalen Green and Jonathon Kuminga, but he did show prowess on the offensive end, essentially becoming a swiss-army knife on pick-and-pops, post turnarounds, and threes. Todd has the tools to be an effective stretch four in this league, it’ll be a game of consistency as to how he shapes up at the next level.
Seton Hall Center Sandro Mamukelashvili (6-foot-10; 240 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Adam Zagoria (6/15)
Draft Evaluation: Mid Second Rounder
Sandro went from a relative unknown, to one of the hotter prospects in the draft class in a matter of weeks. After two impressive performances at the NBA Draft Combine, Sandro is garnering attention as a solid backup presence who provides solid spacing in the halfcourt while also cherishing seeds in the playmaking and rebounding department. At age 22, Sandro is more of a “high floor” pick, but as reports on the Seton Hall product have surfaced, his experience and maturity has been a major positive in his stock.
Oklahoma guard Austin Reaves (6-foot-5; 197 pounds; 23 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/25)
Draft Evaluation: Late Second Rounder to Undrafted
Austin Reaves would be a fan favorite, for obvious reasons. Reaves showed hints of limitless range while playing for the Sooners, but he’ll need to prove that his deep bombs are no one-off occasion, but a trusty part in his arsenal. At 23, Reaves is on the older side of available prospects but the idea of betting on his current palate of shooting ability may be worthwhile in the late second-round.
Auburn guard Sharife Cooper (6-foot-1, 165 pounds; 20 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/24)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
Sharife Cooper has the archetype of a nightmarish matchup at the next level, but he has some screws that will need tightening. Cooper has lightning fast mobility both on-and-off the ball coupled with a solid understanding of passing out of the penetration. Cooper’s reflexes translated into taking contact on layups and also gunning off passes in the halfcourt. Cooper has a tight and diverse handle on the ball allowing him to sneak into crevices, but his measly 6-foot-1, 165-pound frame can be a concern. On top of this, Cooper also was a fairly shaky shooter beyond the arch.
Virginia wing Trey Murphy III (6-foot-9, 216 pounds, 21 years old)
Sources: Rylan Stiles (6/24)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
A once widely considered second-round gem, Trey Murphy III has now become a near lock for a first-round selection. Murphy is a prototypical 3-and-D wing. At 6-foot-9, Murphy has the frame to become a multi-positional defender not just at either wing spot, but even 2-4. Murphy is a primary plug-and-play prospect in this class as he can hide offensively and reap the benefits of his pure shot, as just this season alone, Murphy shot 43.3% from deep, and 92.7% from the line.
Saint Joes forward Jordan Hall (6-foot-8; 210 pounds; 19 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/18)
Draft Evaluation: Pulled from Draft
Hall’s interactions with the Thunder progressed to the workout stage, so he may still be a point of interest for the 2022 Draft. Hall very much plays like a point guard chopping down plays before anything even materializes. Overall Hall has the tools passing, rebounding, and even shooting in stints outside though his speed and athleticism will need some remodeling.
Clemson forward Aamir Simms (6-foot-9; 235 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/18)
Draft Evaluation: Undrafted
Aamir Simms has lacked any media buzz to hear his name called on Draft night, but he easily checks the boxes as a prospect. Simms is a very good passer at his position being able to get a rebound on one end, stroll to the other side, and make correct reads on when to dish or attack at the lane. His passing also bleed into making reads on pick-and-rolls. Simms has made major strides in his perimeter play during college going from 57.7% free throw shooter to an 82.5% shooter this season while also bumping a 32.6% three into a 40.0% hit rate. Simms is one of the more older players in the class, but his current skill set does show promise.
Duke forward Matthew Hurt (6-foot-9; 235 pounds; 21 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (6/25)
Draft Evaluation: Mid Second Rounder
Matthew Hurt has a highly sought after ability to shoot the basketball, but will need to iron out other parts of his game. Playing power forward under his current frame, Hurt has had issues defending in the post while also suffering when switched onto guards. Hurt will need to sure up on the defensive end to maximize his full potential as a productive stretch four. Currently, he’s a great shooter and passer, but his defense will he the deciding factor.
Alabama guard Joshua Primo (6-foot-6; 180 pounds; 18 years old)
Source: Jonathon Wasserman (6/30)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-First to Early Second Rounder
Joshua Primo hits the NBA Draft as this class’ Aleksej Pokusevski, from an age perspective that is. Primo is far and away the youngest player in the Draft turning 19 on Christmas Eve — scouts are intrigued by that. Primo is a prime pick based off potential as the 6-foot-6 wing wasn’t notable in his Freshman year with Alabama, but the moments were there. Primo has uncanny shot creating potential for a second-rounder, if he falls to that point. Primo’s catch-and-shoot release is both high arching and hasty while being to extend far past the three-point line on occasion. Primo’s globs of potential also tap into his mid-range pull-up game and even attacking the basket. Defensively, his frame also is notable for having the capability to defend at multiple positions. The pieces are there for Joshua Primo, but he’ll need to piece them all together to meet his true potential.
Gonzaga forward Corey Kispert (6-foot-7; 224 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Chase Hughes (6/24)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Lottery to Mid-First Rounder
If you are in need of a three-point marksman — Corey Kispert is your guy. Playing alongside lottery notable Jalen Suggs, Kispert became to go-to scoring option both in-season and in March Madness. Kispert’s ability to hit threes off the catch, DHO, or around screens is exemplary, even at the next level. Kispert is not ever going to wow you when attacking the basket, but he also has improved drastically as a finisher with the Bulldogs. Kispert should be one of the safer bets in the class and a perfect glue guy in whatever rotation he’s called upon.
Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmo (6-foot-5; 194 pounds; 21 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (7/2)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
Ayo fits the bill of a combo guard. At 6-foot-5, Ayo can play at either guard position while being a player who can contribute using his quick handle as a playmaker, or sit in the backseat and go for catch-and-shoot opportunities. Ayo has the tendency to heat up rather quickly from distance but his low point of release may need adjustment. As a defender, he has a steady foundation for the next level, may want to bulk up a bit though.
Antwerp Intl. guard Vrenz Bleijenbergh (6-foot-11; 205 pounds; 20 years old)
Source: Vrenz Bleijenbergh (7/4)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-First to Early Second Rounder
When you look at which prospects are flying up radars, no man is trending quite like Vrenz Bleijenbergh. Vrenz fits the mold of a modern day point guard, but he does so in the frame of a frontcourt figure. At 6-foot-10 Vrenz has a proficient understanding of working out the pick-and-roll while also being able to slice through passes to cutters that smaller guards simply could not make. Vrenz’s potential also expands out to the perimeter as his 37.5% clip from distance came off of 4.8 tries a night. As a finisher, Vrenz can elevate but his silky smooth scoop are a novelty of his that he can convert with either hand. His potential is evident, it’s just a matter of who is willing to roll the dice.
Shawnee State center EJ Onu (6-foot-8; 240 pounds; 21 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (7/5)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Second to Undrafted
EJ Onu has caught the attention of many during the draft process, it’s very obvious as to why. Onu torched the NAIA making use of his 6-foot-8 height coupled with his 7-foot-8 wingspan to overpower his competition. Onu is a serious rim protector averaging 4.6 blocks this past season, but also tallied three in both of his G-League Combine scrimmages. Onu has even tapped into a jumped as he 40% from distance on 3.9 attempts last season, though he did shoot 62% at the charity stripe. Onu’s potential may be handicapped as he is 22-years-old, but he’s already a steal in the second round if his current playstyle sticks.
Full Article on EJ Onu can be found here
Oregon guard Chris Duarte (6-foot-6; 190 pounds; 24 years old)
Source: Chase Hughes (7/8)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
As a 24-year-old, Chris Duarte enters the draft as one of the oldest prospects available. Though, even despite the seasoned age, Duarte is still widely considered to be a first-round selection in the upcoming draft. Duarte was a sniper in his tenure with Oregon going from a 33.5% shooter in his Junior year, to shooting 42.4% from distance on 5.5 attempts this season. Duarte’s ability to shoot from deep range rarely comes from on-ball shot creation, but his excellence on DHO’s, coming off screens, and shooting off of the catch make him a firm piece to round out lineups. Also major perk, Duarte doesn’t often show this side of his game — but he can go up for some posters.
Florida guard Tre Mann (6-foot-5; 190 pounds; 20 years old)
Source: Tre Mann (7/7)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
Tre Mann has slowly climbed draft boards in the past month or so, and there’s little sign of his stock slowing down. Mann saw a gigantic leap in his sophomore season going from scoring 5.3 points producer off the bench to one of Florida’s top dogs averaging 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest. Mann’s game has centralized into an on-ball shot creator leaning heavily on his hallmarked stepback to fire off shots. Mann’s sharp improvement is a main reason as to why so many teams are enamored by his play as the once 27.5% three-point shooter now is a consistent threat on a 40.2% clip.
Tulsa guard Brandon Rachal (6-foot-6; 220 pounds; 21 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (7/8)
Draft Evaluation: Undrafted
Brandon Rachal has received little chatter as we near the NBA Draft, but the Tulsa senior has been a mainstay in his past two seasons. Jones is a project, though, he did have some spurts of being a quality 3-and-D wing. Rachal was almost nonexistent from outside 15 feet in his first two seasons, but this past year the guard shot over 4 attempts from deep on 31.4% shooting. Rachal has a long way to go to solidify himself outside, though his grit around the rim does supplement his game. Rachal was pesky, averaging 1.6 steals last year, so it’ll be interesting to see where he projects defensively at the next level.
Louisville guard Carlik Jones (6-foot-1; 185 pounds; 23 years old)
Source: Carlik Jones (7/9)
Draft Evaluation: Late Second Rounder to Undrafted
Carlik Jones earned himself a spot in last month’s G-League Elite Camp after capping his Senior season with Louisville on a team-high 16.8 points a game. In Jones’ time in the G-League camp, the guard posted a camp-high 23 points in his first day of play, that was enough to get the 23-year-old on to the official Draft Combine. Jones isn’t going to wow you with his speed or wide array of dribble moves, but the guard does have a strong sense of the floor. Jones plays much bigger than his size indicates often creating contact on layups or getting handsy in the passing lanes. Jones’ solid work as a finisher and passer in college should give him some looks late in the draft.
Tennessee guard Jaden Springer (6-foot-3; 180 pounds; 18 years old)
Source: Jonathan Wasserman (7/13)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
When you break the Aleksej Pokusevski of this draft class, Jaden Springer is your guy — at least from an age perspective. Springer turns 19 in the final week of December making him far and away the youngest player in the class. Springer has shown glimpses of being a prominent combo-guard as he does an excellent job getting handsy and physical on defense to close off lanes and stay tight on drives. Springer showed high levels of athleticism on the offensive end even fizzling in beautiful dimes, but he’ll need fine-tuning as a shooter. Springer actually shot 44% from distance last season, but a feeble 45 attempts combined with a less than glamourous shot IQ makes him a question mark here. Even despite the shot, however, Springer will be getting good hard looks as soon as you exit the lottery.
Pittsburg forward Justin Champagine (6-foot-6; 200 pounds; 20 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles
Draft Evaluation: Late-Second to Undrafted
Justin Champagine’s early entrance to the draft marks the first time a Panther has done so since Steven Adams wound up in an OKC jersey in the Summer of 2013. Champagine did a solid job scoring the ball going for 18.0 points last season, but he also shot off for 11.1 rebounds per game. The forward will provide a solid body going for the boards and a decent project offensively as he shot right above the 30-percent mark in college.
Florida State forward Scottie Barnes (6-foot-8; 220 pounds; 19 years old)
Source: Scottie Barnes (7/15)
Draft Evaluation: Top 6 Pick
Barnes took home some hardware at Florida State nabbing the Rookie of the Year award and the Sixth Man award. He’ll be looking to carry over his success to the next level. Barnes has become a fan favorite among Thunder draft fanatics as a grand majority of fans would select the forward in a heartbeat, that’s if he falls to six of course. Barnes is an electric player on defense showing signs of playing 1-5 while being extremely active in passing lanes as an off-ball threat. Barnes is a fluid passer on offense while being a polisher transition finisher, but he’ll need to sure up as a shooter to reach his full potential.
G-League Ignite forward Jonathan Kuminga (6-foot-8; 220 pounds; 18 years old)
Source: Cody Taylor (7/21)
One of the more tantalizing players in this draft class, Jonathan Kuminga took the G-League world by storm serving up stand-soaring blocks and high-flying jams — but that’s not all he can do. Kuminga’s stock has slowly sulked as the week’s progress but his aforementioned athletic ability added with potential in almost every other area makes him the top boom-or-bust pick in the class. Kuminga shot below 25% from downtown with the Ignite, but on near five attempts a night, confidence was never an issue. As a shot creator, Kuminga has a grip on angles and spin jumpers uncanny for his age group. On defense, he’d proficient in the pick-and-roll and in stints against anyone, did have missteps on guard at times, however.
VCU guard Nah’shon “Bones” Hyland (6-foot-2; 169 pounds; 20 years old)
Source: Nah’shon “Bones” Hyland (7/19)
The largest riser from this month’s Draft Combine, Nah’shon “Bones” Hyland has climbed from a second-round candidate to an intriguing first-rounder given his unique palette. Hyland has received comparisons to last year’s widely-praised Tyrell Terry but also one of last year’s biggest steals in Immanuel Quickley. Hyland has an elite handling ability and does a great job of reading the floor on penetrations. What separates him from the rest of the pack is his willingness to explode from three. Hyland will jack up successive 30-footers without even thinking about it — it comes naturally to him. He’s got a blend of traits every scout has come to love. He could wind up just about anywhere in the July 29 draft.
SMU forward Feron Hunt (6-foot-8; 195 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (7/19)
Draft Evaluation: Undrafted
Hunt is one of the more bouncy forwards you’ll find in the back-end of the draft. If you need services on the glass or right around the basket, Hunt will be your guy. The one nagging problem surrounding Hunt comes with his three-point shot, however, as he’s shot in the twenties all three seasons with the Mustangs. He’s worth a second look for a potential Summer League deal or with a G-League selection.
Utah State center Neemias Queta (7-foot; 245 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Rylan Stiles (7/20)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late Second Rounder
Queta fits the bill for a rim-running, bouncy center. When attacking the basket Queta has a beautiful two-handed flush, but he also has a knack at finding inside positioning for rebounds. Queta has some buzz as a second-round steal as Queta’s athletic ability on offense translates over the defensive end as he won Defensive Player of the Year twice in the Mountain West.
Texas center Kai Jones (6-foot-10; 221 pounds; 20 years old)
Source: Kai Jones (7/22)
Draft Evaluation: Late-Lottery to Mid-First Rounder
Kai Jones publicized his workouts with Oklahoma City to the fullest, even showing an image of himself at the Oklahoma City National Memorial during his trip (all Thunder staff and players attend the museum after selection.) Kai Jones is an explosive leaper at the five, which will make him a premier pick-and-roller, but an emerging face-up game can transform him into a two-headed monster on offense. Jones is a great rim protector around the basket but he’ll need some work around the perimeter.
Kentucky center Isaiah Jackson (6-foot-10; 208 pounds; 19 years old)
Source: Clemente Almanza (7/23)
Draft Evaluation: Mid-Late First Rounder
A few weeks prior, Isaiah Jackson landing to the Thunder seemed like a done deal. Jackson’s explosiveness around the basket would make for a fiery tandem with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the pick-and-roll. Jackson has flashed a solid face-up game before, but with a mere two three-point attempts last season, there’s no indication he’ll be able to operate in the pick-and-pop. If Jackson can play in the pick-and-pop, he instantly becomes one of the harder matchups at the position. If not, he’s a sturdy big man with a solid grasp on the other end.
Maryland guard Aaron Wiggins (6-foot-6; 200 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Jaylen Hoard (7/24)
Draft Evaluation: Late-Second to Undrafted
Aaron Wiggins has no confirmed images of him on site, but the context clues of him being in presumably Oklahoma City with forward Jaylen Hoard is a good enough indicator to put the Terrapin on the list. Wiggins outplayed his group in the G-League Elite Combine and put together a solid resume in the NBA Combine ranks. He’s a lengthy wing who was serviceable shooting the three in college and had a lot of reps on various positions. Wiggins may not come off the board on Draft Day, but he’ll be getting plenty of looks as a UDFA, if that happens to be the case.
Tennessee guard Yves Pons (6-foot-6; 215 pounds; 22 years old)
Source: Jaylen Hoard (7/24)
Draft Evaluation: Late-Second to Undrafted
Yves Pons’ senior averages of 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds would make him undraftable in almost every situation, but he has one thing on his side — athleticism. Pons soars to basket for dunks both in the halfcourt and fastbreak but also he utilized his spring in his step to elevate on blocks averaging 1.8 a contest last season. Pons has yet to figure his jumper but taking a look at him for a Summer League spot would be a gamble going in your favor.