Thunder’s best options for No. 12 pick in 2024 NBA Draft

The Oklahoma City Thunder quickly emerged as one of the best stories of the 2023-24 NBA season. Despite being the second-youngest team in the league, the Thunder established themselves as legitimate contenders and finished with the best record in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, their run in the playoffs was ended by the Dallas Mavericks. But, Oklahoma City does have a nice consolation prize. The Thunder’s pick in the 2024 NBA Draft does rest inside the lottery at 12th overall.

Sam Presti acquired this Thunder pick as a result of the Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook swap with the Houston Rockets in the summer of 2019. It’s just one of many first-rounders that he and Oklahoma City have in their treasure chest of draft capital. The Thunder have plenty of great options to choose from with this pick to help improve their team. Standing pat and adding to their frontcourt with any of these players seems like the best course of action.

Draft Cody Williams

If there’s anybody in the 2024 Draft that Oklahoma City would be familiar with, it would be Cody Williams. That’s because he is the brother of current Thunder star Jalen Williams. Cody’s game does have some similarities to his brother’s as well. He’s got ideal size on the wing after favorable measurements at the NBA Combine.

Williams is also an outstanding offensive creator. He looks the part of a potential three-level scorer and his numbers reinforce that. Williams averaged 16.8 points per 40 minutes in his lone season at Colorado and was efficient from all parts of the floor. He shot 55.2% from the field, 58.8% on twos, 41.5% from three, and 71.4% from the free throw line. The free throw percentage does leave a bit to be desired, but his proficiency everywhere else would seem to indicate that will improve with time as well.

There could be some positional overlap between Williams, his brother, and the numerous other guards on Oklahoma City’s roster. Williams also registered more turnovers (48) than assists (38) in his freshman campaign. He isn’t a perfect prospect, but he also was considered a top-five prospect at one point this year. He should fit in the Thunder’s roster and culture quite well.

Draft Zach Edey