The Ringer’s Bill Simmons recently expressed his hope that he wants Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. drafted to the Thunder due to his fit with the team. Simmons believes that a core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jabari Smith Jr. could really be a special trio.
“I think Jabari wins the lottery if OKC takes him. I think he’s super competitive, really gives a shit,” said Simmons. “He has Giddey in his life for the next 10 years. Just that alone — not to mention the SGA piece. That would be a nice fit.”
Smith Jr. is currently being mocked by most to go first overall to the Orlando Magic, with Chet Holmgren going second to the Thunder. It seems like those two are going to be the top two picks of this draft with the order still undecided. The Thunder recently won the 2022 NBA draft lottery by jumping from fourth to second overall in the lottery.
The full soundbite can be watched here, where Simmons also talks about Thunder general manager Sam Presti and his unorthodox approach to NBA drafts.
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