NBA Draft 2017: 5 targets for the Oklahoma City Thunder

Here are five players the Thunder can target in the NBA Draft and how they can help Oklahoma City improve.

One year removed from a Western Conference Finals appearance, the Thunder failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs. Following the departure of superstar Kevin Durant, the Thunder could not effectively build a championship caliber team, despite Russell Westbrook’s historic campaign.

The Thunder finished the regular season 47-35 and were eliminated by the Houston Rockets in the first round. Obviously, Westbrook is the nucleus of Oklahoma City. With youngsters such as Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo, Domantas Sabonis and Alex Abrines around No. 0, the Thunder are a player or two away from making a splash in the West.

The Thunder’s needs are quite simple. Shooters and depth. Now, the big-name, well-known prospects would be nice. However, the Thunder pick at No. 21. Therefore, this list will only include players that will likely be available around pick No. 21 as the Thunder have not shown willingness to trade up. Here’s five players the Thunder could draft to improve their team:

5. Jarrett Allen (Texas)

Historically, picking players from the University of Texas in the first round has worked out for the Thunder (formerly the Sonics). Well, that is until those players decide to burn all bridges and join the enemy, but that’s beside the point.

Jarrett Allen is widely regarded as one of the top three centers in the draft. He’s the second center on The Step Back’s Big Board, behind only Zach Collins. Allen would be a safe pick for the Thunder at No. 21. He’s a young, true big, who could needs some polish but could be a gem. His style and athleticism would compliment Steven Adams very well. Adams, just 23, has gotten better each year of his career. However, at certain points last season, Adams looked lost and it made Thunder fans wonder if he’s cut out for the new Westbrook-centered squad.

GM Sam Presti has shown willingness to develop young players in the past and has an eye for young, underrated talent. If nothing else, Allen could be seen as an Enes Kanter replacement. While Kanter has provided good bench play throughout his time with OKC, the injuries and inconsistent play have raised eyebrows and called his long-term future with the organization into question. Allen could be the answer.

Despite a mediocre field goal percentage in his first and only season at Texas, he averaged a solid 13.4 points per game. Tack on his 8.4 rebounds per game and this Freshman almost averaged a double-double in the Big 12 as a freshman. Allen will more than likely still be on the board at No. 21 and would be a safe pick for Oklahoma City. Although, the Thunder will need to acquire some shooters in free agency if they were to draft Allen in the first round.