Two Thunder Players Inside the Top Three of 2022 Re-Draft

Oklahoma City struck gold in the 2022 NBA Draft. With three total lottery selections, two seem to be home run picks and the third is still a wildcard. The haul itself, however, is the type of haul that changes the direction of a franchise.

In Oklahoma City's two-year rebuild, the team picked in the lottery both years. In 2022, the Thunder's luck ran dry. The team had a very high probability of securing two top-five picks with their own plus Houston's but ended up only receiving the No. 6 pick because of the ping-pong balls.

In 2022, however, the Thunder struck gold. Oklahoma City landed at No. 2 in the lottery, and all of the losing was suddenly worth it. With how good Chet Holmgren has been early on, the sentiment still rings true.

Holmgren was the obvious choice for the Thunder at No. 2, as the team had desperately needed a big man presence for quite some time. He was linked to the Thunder throughout the entire pre-draft process, as Oklahoma City is known to value "unicorn" type players that can dribble and shoot with size. Holmgren checked all the boxes as a 7-footer and has proven he's an impact center in the NBA.

Because Holmgren was a top prospect in the draft and the assumed No. 2 pick for quite some time, it was almost a given that he was the right pick for Sam Presti and company. The Thunder got the steal of the draft at No. 12 though, which was the game changing aspect of the 2022 draft.

Jalen Williams has been a star for the Thunder and seems to be getting better with each passing game. His efficient scoring is rare for such a young player, and his position versatility is so important to Oklahoma City's success. He has the potential to be the Thunder's longterm No. 2 scoring option and a future All-Star.

In Bleacher Report's latest article, they re-drafted the 2022 class, and the Thunder talent was on display. Holmgren went No. 2 and Williams followed directly behind at No. 3. Paolo Banchero still went No. 1, but Holmgren has a legit case for that top spot now.

Ousmane Dieng was listed in the "outside of the lottery" section, but still has a chance to blossom in Oklahoma City.

One thing is certain, though. The 2022 NBA Draft changed the trajectory of Oklahoma City's franchise.