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2017 NBA Draft: Live analysis and tracking rumors, picks, trades for the NBA Draft

By Lukas Harkins

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the podium and stage before the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) against the Houston Rockets in game five of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder

Record in 2016-17: 47-35 (6th in the Western Conference)

Draft picks: 21st overall

Jonathan Givony Projections: TJ Leaf (#21)

Lukas Harkins Projections: TJ Leaf (#21)

Draft Outlook: This team is clearly centered around Russell Westbrook. He is one of the frontrunners to win league MVP when awards are announced and he is a top-6 NBA player. In many people’s eyes, he single-handedly took the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs last season. Yet, this is a team in desperate need of three-point shooting to space the floor. With their only pick in the draft, I would look for them to take a shooter, and both myself and DraftExpress agree on this one. TJ Leaf is likely going to be on the board at #21, and his versatility as a shooter and big man should not be passed up by the Thunder unless a major prospect has fallen in the draft.

#21 overall: SG Terrance Ferguson, Adelaide

The Thunder need shooting and defense, both of which Ferguson can add for them. He clearly has a lot of work to do before developing into a capable NBA starter, but he could easily be a 3-and-D wing further down the road. He would fit nicely on the wing next to Russell Westbrook in a few years, and this is a pick looking towards the future. Grade: B-. 

To go back to the draft order/selections, click here.

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