NBA Draft 2021: 3 biggest winners and losers from draft lottery results

Loser No. 1 – Oklahoma City Thunder

Despite overachieving and making the playoffs a year ago, the Thunder decided to go through a complete rebuild. They traded away Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and others to gather future draft picks and add the gigantic haul from the previous Paul George trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, they have nine 1st round picks in the next three seasons.

That’s great long-term… as long as the picks ultimately work out. And there was a chance that OKC could land the No. 1 overall pick if the balls went a certain way. But even if that didn’t happen, the hope was that they still end up in the top five, to get one of the top-tier options.

Instead, the Thunder landed just outside at No. 6 overall. It’s not the worst thing in the world but for a franchise that’s in the Western Conference, they’ll need all the luck they can get back into the playoff picture. Teams such as Golden State, New Orleans, and Minnesota didn’t even make the playoffs and they have a ton more talent on paper than Oklahoma City.

This team does have a franchise player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a solid rotational piece in  Luguentz Dort. The rest of the roster is up in the air, with international rookies Theo Maledon and  Aleksej Pokusevski still beginning in their development. The frontcourt is the biggest question on the roster now that Al Horford is gone.

However, there isn’t a true frontcourt option realistic to take at No. 6, since Evan Mobley isn’t making it past 4. One player that could work is Scottie Barnes, a 6’8 point forward from Florida State that posted all-around numbers off the bench. He’s a good defender and passer but his offensive game needs work.

With a roster devoid of talent outside of Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder could plug multiple holes with Barnes at No. 6. He’ll need several seasons to develop but this franchise has plenty of time to do that.