NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Post-lottery predictions and shockers in the first-round

NBA Draft, Jalen Suggs - Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Draft, Jalen Suggs - Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
19 of 26
NBA Mock Draft, Ziaire Williams
NBA Mock Draft, Ziaire Williams – Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Mock Draft 18th Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder (via Miami Heat)

At this juncture, it’s rare to find someone as talented as Ziaire Williams still projected to be on the board. The Stanford ace may very well be the steal of the draft, boasting physical gifts reminiscent of the many stars in today’s game which should bode well for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Alas, OKC is severely undermanned at the wing positions, consistently resorting to funky lineups to adapt on the fly. Williams’ eye-popping length (he stands at almost 6’10 with shoes) could form a long, disruptive lineup along Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Lu Dort and Pokusevski.

His offensive game needs work, but he is projected to be an above average three-point shooter. He can get to the rim almost at will with his quickness and length while providing much-needed sustenance as an intimidating perimeter defender. The upside is high with this prospect.