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In Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder took guard/forward Leandro Bolmaro.
The size and ability of the Barcelona player makes him intriguing to The Ringer’s draft guru.
O’Connor writes:
The Thunder are about to enter a rebuild; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only untouchable player on the team. An intriguing piece next to him could be Bolmaro, another tall point guard. He stands at 6-foot-7 and can make passes smaller players simply can’t. With such large size in the backcourt, the Thunder would be investing in a young team that could someday present major matchup issues for opponents.
There have been quite a few mock drafts pushing Bolmaro toward the Thunder, including SB Nation and Bleacher Report.
Bolmaro can play a lead ball handler role, but his experience even at the professional level overseas is somewhat lacking. 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,
O’Connor wrote in his draft profile of Bolmaro that he’s best scoring below the rim and does not have a reliable jumpshot, with averages of 28% from 3 and 66% from the free throw line over his three years of pro play.
But even without the shot, Bolmaro “cuts and relocates like a veteran,” O’Connor said. He’s an excellent ball handler and passer.
Bolmaro was ranked No. 31 on O’Connor’s Big Board, last updated on August 20.
In this mock draft, released Sept. 14, wings Josh Green and Jaden McDaniels, who many mocks also project to Oklahoma City, had already been selected before pick No. 25 rolled around.
Thus, Oklahoma City went with a different player who has high upside, one with international experience.
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