Most NBA executives expect the Oklahoma City Thunder to be active in their attempt to move up in the 2023 draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
The Thunder currently have the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which is on June 22.
“Most NBA executives expect the Thunder to be active in trade discussions looking to potentially package this pick and future first-rounders in an attempt to move up on draft night,” Givony wrote. “Which makes sense considering the shortage of roster spots the Thunder could be working with moving forward with all the talent they’ve accumulated.”
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If the Thunder stay at 12, Givony could see OKC taking point guard Nick Smith Jr. from Arkansas.
“Smith did a good job reminding teams why he was considered one of the most talented prospects in the class coming out of high school at the Klutch pro day, where he shot the ball well and looked healthier than he did during the season at Arkansas,” Givony wrote.”
OKC won 40 games this season behind the stellar play of All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who averaged 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.5 assists while shooting 51.0% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc and 90.5% from the free-throw line. The Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans in the 9-10 play-in game but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 8-9 play-in game.
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With Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren leading the way, the Thunder have an incredibly bright future. Holmgren missed the entire 2022-23 season after suffering a Lisfranc injury last summer while playing in a pro-am game. He was the second overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Gonzaga.
OKC is excited to see Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander on the floor together. The two youngsters figure to be deadly in the pick-and-roll/pop game.
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