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NBC Sports slotted the Oklahoma City Thunder to take a high-ceiling forward with the No. 25 pick in the draft.
Jaden McDaniels, a forward out Washington, was the Thunder’s choice in NBC Sports’ mock draft.
McDaniels has been projected to Oklahoma City in quite a few mock drafts. A five-star recruit out of high school, he had some struggles in his sole college season but has tantalizing upside.
Analyst Rob Schaefer wrote:
“McDaniels has all the tools to be the type of high-upside, long and athletic two-way scoring wing NBA front offices dream about nabbing in the draft.”
McDaniels is listed at 6-foot-9 with a wingspan around 7 feet. As a freshman, he averaged 13 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 33.9% from 3.
However, he only made 40.5% of his field goals and had major issues with fouling and turnovers.
Oklahoma City’s development program has worked well with other players. If it can help McDaniels reach his upside, that would be a foundational stone for the next rendition of the Thunder.
Even if McDaniels couldn’t reach his potential in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are flush with future draft capital. Many, including Schaefer, think they can afford to take a risk with the No. 25 pick.
“His freshman year at Washington didn’t go according to plan, but here, Oklahoma City can afford to take a chance. If he hits, chalk it up as another win for Sam Presti, who’s laid the groundwork for an extremely promising rebuild.”
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