2. Oklahoma City Thunder

There’s a reason that the Oklahoma City Thunder and Shaedon Sharpe have shown so much mutual interest leading up to the draft, as they’d be virtually perfect fits for each other. The Thunder have been engaging in shameless tanking for two years straight in search of a bona fide franchise cornerstone to build around.

While they acquired one via trade in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, their lottery luck has failed them so far and kept them out of position to select one of the surefire prospects in last year’s draft in Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jalen Green, and Scottie Barnes.

The Thunder struck gold in this year’s lottery when they landed the second-overall pick despite holding just the fourth-best odds, giving them a guaranteed chance to acquire one of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Paolo Banchero. That is unless they decide to take a swing on Sharpe with the second pick.

While it’d be much wiser for them to try to trade up with their 12th-overall selection for him, it wouldn’t indefensible to take him with number two. Even though he didn’t play last year, Sharpe may still have the most impressive offensive highlights of any prospect in this year’s draft. His blend of athleticism, advanced skillset, and perimeter scoring making him one of the most promising weapons available.

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Adding his play finishing ability alongside SGA’s relentless slashing and Josh Giddey’s brilliant playmaking would give OKC a triumvirate of big, athletic, and uniquely talented young perimeter players that go on to become one of the NBA’s most dangerous cores.

Sharpe would have the long leash he needs to grow his game and blossom with the Thunder without the pressure to win right away or be perfect. The Thunder would be more than willing to deal with his growing pains, as they should be looking to tank against next season and maximize their chances to draft 2023’s top prospect, Victor Wembenyama.