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NBA Draft 2023: 3 perfect picks for the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12

By Jonathan Lurensky

Dereck Lively II, NBA Draft (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Dereck Lively II, NBA Draft (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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Mar 11, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Dereck Lively II (1) cuts a piece of the net down as the Blue Devils celebrate their 59-49 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers in the ACC Championship at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2023; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils center Dereck Lively II (1) cuts a piece of the net down as the Blue Devils celebrate their 59-49 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers in the ACC Championship at Greensboro Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Perfect NBA Draft picks for the Thunder: 2. Dereck Lively

Dereck Lively might be taken by this point and is projected between the No. 8 and No. 12 overall pick. The Thunder could use him as a backup center who plays high-quality minutes for the team. OKC could be looking to move multiple picks in this draft due to the fact that they can’t give all of these players proper playing time.

The Wizards a team that is headed into a rebuild, could use the picks due to the fact that do not have any real future coming up. The Thunder are a team that is on the rise and could use one more piece. Lively could be the final piece of the core for this team. He is a 7 foot-1 center who has a chance to play as a strong rebounder and paint presence. Yes, he may not have starting potential but he could play high minutes for the team.

He is also touted as a solid defender who can hold his own on that side of the floor. He could be a very good rim roller for Oklahoma and give them a real defensive presence in the middle.

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