Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder may only have a 1.8 percent chance of moving up into the top-3 tonight, excitement could not be any greater for the Thunder organization right now. OKC was never even supposed to be in this position — having a chance to this draft high. But, with injuries destroying any chances of competing for a title this year, they’ve had to settle for second prize. Having any chance to move up in this year’s draft is a pretty decent consolation prize.
Over the past several seasons, the Thunder have always been at least one or two players away from having a legitimate shot at competing for a championship. Tonight could give them a great chance of adding one more piece to an already talented puzzle. If they can defy the odds even once tonight, which would result in the first envelope not showing the Thunder logo, OKC will be absolutely thrilled.
Let’s face it, a top-14 talent is extremely valuable to any team, especially if that team is competing for a championship next year with the likes of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.
Not moving up in tonights lottery would automatically give OKC very good talent with the No. 14 overall pick in the upcoming draft. But, if they do defy the odds, they could receive even more talent. Moving up could also open up the possibility of GM Sam Presti trading that pick for an established veteran presence coming off the bench; something the Thunder definitely need. No matter what, the Thunder will become a stronger unit.
This may be the last chance in a long time that the Oklahoma City Thunder will have the ability to participate in the NBA Draft Lottery. So, here’s hoping that thunder actually does strike more than once.
Samuel Martell is Oklahoma City’s beat writer at www.RantSports.com. To stay connected, ‘follow’ him on Twitter, ‘like’ him on Facebook, or ‘add’ him to you network on Google.
