Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti raised eyebrows when he picked Alex Abrines in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Abrines, even though regarded as one of the top international prospects at the time, was strictly a draft and stash option for a team that already boasted a roster with an NBA Finals appearance under its belt and finished the 2012/13 season with the best record in the Western Conference. Abrines was the future, and that future looked bright indeed.
The overall perception was that Abrines would stay overseas a few years, working on his game and his physique, then join the Thunder and bring that all-important third scoring option many felt was necessary to win a championship.