The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a nice position in terms of their current roster and future assets that can allow them to take a big swing with the No. 25 draft pick without risking upsetting the team’s current balance.
In SB Nation’s mock draft, writer Ricky O’Donnell predicts them taking a player who is widely projected as a late-first-round or early-second-round pick.
Oklahoma City took Barcelona guard Leandro Bolmaro in this mock draft.
O’Donnell writes:
“Bolmaro is intriguing as a 6’7 ball handler who played de facto point guard for Barcelona this season while splitting time between their senior team and lower divisions. He does a good job playing with pace with the ball in hands and has the vision and size to find shooters on the perimeter.”
That height and 6-foot-8 is certainly intriguing, particularly next to similarly large Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan.
While Bolmaro played a lead ball handler role, he is listed on the NBA site as a small forward. His range of positions and ability to be a facilitator is ideal.
He doesn’t have a lot of proven experience, though. He averaged eight points, 2.5 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 17 minutes per game over the three Barcelona leagues he played in, according to Real GM,
Additionally, his 3-point shot was not good.
“He was a sub-30 percent three-point shooter, which will have to a point of emphasis for his development moving forward.”
Bolmaro has shown he’s a good passer and creator, but will need to prove he’s ready to compete at the NBA. SB Nation thinks it’s worth it for the Thunder to take a look at the guard.
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