NBA Draft Mock 1.0: Early pre-lottery projections for all 30 teams
Scouting Report. F/C. USC. Evan Mobley. 3. 149. Pick Analysis. player
NBA Draft Mock 3rd Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Evan Mobley’s potential to be the league’s next great big man will present the Oklahoma City Thunder with a conundrum: do they continue their boisterous rebuild or do they finally attempt to carve themselves in as a competitive squad? Either way, the USC product will arm OKC with a definite cornerstone.
Outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder don’t really have a key cog that they can resolutely build around. Their maelstrom of draft picks is great and all, but no one knows how Sam Presti will utilize all of the franchise’s assets. One thing’s for sure though, Mobley will be a prize they won’t hesitate to seize at the first opportunity.
Mobley’s 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game last season will instantly bring life to OKC’s frontcourt that is left into the hands of unproven youngsters like Moses Brown or a dangling veteran like Al Horford. His basketball IQ is a sight to behold and he relies more on skill instead of strength with his smooth jumper and above-the-rim play. Remember Chris Bosh or LaMarcus Aldridge?