With the 2021 NBA Draft in the books it is time to see what exactly their Thunder are getting in their draft class. We will be going in pick order to evaluate.
JOSH GIDDEY-
The Thunder selected Giddey with their 6th pick in the first round. Giddey going to the Thunder wasn’t a real surprise, but the pick he went was. The running joke is that the Thunder selected Ricky Rubio, and while I see the comparisons the play I mostly compare Giddey to is Ben Simmons. Now, this is a bad time to be comparing someone to Simmons, but I don’t mean that as a slight to Giddey. Last season Giddey averaged 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds,7.4 assist, and 1.1 steals. The area on offense that Giddey most needs to improve is shooting going 29% from three, if he can get that up to the mid 30’s that would be great. His 69(nice) % from the free throw line could also be improved. Arguably Giddey was the best pure passer in the draft, and since SGA had to create much of his offense on his own having someone to help set him up like Giddey is a no brainer. His ability to score around the rim is very polished and should suit him well in the NBA. I’d give the draft pick a B-.
TRE MANN-
The Thunder selected Mann with the 18th pick in the first round. Mann will come in ready to score in the NBA. His pull up game, and floater will help him be a threat on day one. Mann had an excellent Sophomore season after struggling his Freshman season averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3. 5 assist while shooting 40.2% from three. He’s a solid help defender but may need to improve his one on one defense to really excel in the NBA. Grade A-
JEREMIAH ROBINSON EARLE-
The Thunder selected Jeremiah with the 32nd pick in the second round. He brings in a well polished mid range game, a nice touch around the rim, and ability to rebound the ball. JRE averaged 16 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.7 assist, and 1.7 blocks per game. Grade B+
AARON WIGGINS-
The Thunder selected Wiggins with the 55th pick in the draft. Wiggins is your standard 3 and D swing man averaging 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals. He rarely slips up on defense. The only knack currently is he needs to cut down on his turnovers. Grade C+
Overall Draft grade B
The Thunder should have a fun Summer League roster, and they should compete for the Summer League championship.