NBA Draft 2019: 5 best fits for Bol Bol

4. Oklahoma City Thunder (No. 21 pick)

The Thunder are definitely open to taking risks in the draft, as the team that tried out Josh Heustis, Andre Roberson, Terrance Ferguson, and Steven Adams over the past few years. And while that list represents varying levels of success, Bol is a player who fits their mold of drafting and could probably help them. The Patrick Patterson signing hasn’t really worked out, and the team definitely needs shooting to support Russell Westbrook’s style of play. Bol as a stretch big next to Adams, Nerlens Noel, and Jerami Grant definitely helps solve that problem, and the Thunder can help offset Bol’s defensive struggles with those three, as well.

The defensive fit of Grant and Adams with Bol is particularly interesting. Grant already operates as a weakside shot blocker in the Thunder’s starting lineup, and given that that is Bol’s probable defensive value, the Thunder could run bench lineups with these two playing together that focus on funneling to help with two terrifying shot blockers over top. Bol also has a natural fit next to Adams, a nice foil to the lanky Bol with his strong frame and success as a rebounder and pick-and-roll defender. It also presents OKC with the opportunity to potentially play five-out with Bol at the 5 and Paul George at the 4, something they haven’t been able to do since Kevin Durant at the 5.

The Thunder are known for taking players like Bol in the draft. They also are the team that made Hasheem Thabeet somewhat useful, and Bol has much more offensive value. This might not work, but it’s a better fit than most for Bol in terms of lineup combinations.