The Oklahoma City Thunder just missed out on the 2015 NBA Playoffs largely due to injury, but that gives them the opportunity to improve their roster by adding a lottery pick. Here are the three players they're targeting with the No. 14 pick in the draft:
3) Jerian Grant – 6’5″, 202 lbs, PG/SG – Sr., Notre Dame
Stats: 16.8 ppg, 6.8 apg
A combo guard, Grant has the perfect mix of size, scoring ability, and court vision to be a solid point at the next level. His leadership qualities were on full display this season as he led Notre Dame to an ACC title and the Elite 8 just one season after they finished near the bottom of the conference in 2014. Grant would be able to contribute right away as a backup point guard, and his scoring ability would give OKC's bench a much-needed boost.
2) Frank Kaminsky – 7’0″, 234 lbs, C – Sr., Wisconsin
Stats: 18.2 ppg, 8.0 rpg
Kaminsky is the most polished big man in the draft - outside of Duke's Jahlil Okafor - with the ability to stretch the defense with his long-range shooting. Kaminsky won’t go at the top of the draft because he’s not very athletic, but he will make an immediate impact off the bench and as a fill-in starter for the Thunder.
1) Cameron Payne - 6'2", 180 lbs, PG - So., Murray State
Stats: 20.2 ppg, 6.0 apg
The Thunder have reportedly promised to draft Murray State point guard Cameron Payne if he falls to them at No. 14, according to ESPN’s Chad Ford.
“Since late last week there’s been a lot of buzz among rival GMs that the Thunder promised Cameron Payne they’d take him at 14,” ESPN.com’s Chad Ford. “I don’t know how much of that is smoke, but he is a great fit at 14 and talent wise he may be the best pure point guard in the draft.”
This isn’t uncommon for the Thunder, who promised to draft Reggie Jackson in 2011 and Josh Huestis last season.
Payne is a very versatile guard who can create his own shot and create open shots for his teammates. He does need to work on his shot selection and ball control, but his athleticism and scoring punch make him the backup point guard OKC needs.
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