Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 NBA Mock Draft – The NBA is changing things up this year with a revamped draft format for the 2024 season. This year’s 78th annual draft will take place over two evenings, a first since the league standardized the draft into two rounds in the late 1980s Previously held as a one-night show, the draft will now take place on June 26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the first round, followed by the second round on June 27 at ESPN’s Seaport District studios in Manhattan.
The second round will also see an increase in the time between choices, going from two minutes to four. Continuing a trend from the past two years, the draft will feature 58 picks instead of the usual 60 due to tampering penalties assessed against the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 NBA Mock Draft
The Thunder’s young players have exceeded expectations this year, gaining valuable playoff experience. This positions them well for the upcoming season, where they will face higher expectations and likely have an even stronger roster.
Their rookie contracts are the key to their flexibility. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have two years left before their extensions take effect, allowing the team to maintain financial flexibility. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has solidified his breakout status and become the undisputed leader to build around.
Sam Presti’s vision for the team is evident. The roster around Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren is filled with versatile playmakers and big defenders with impressive size and positional flexibility.
With a 57-win season assured and a solid core in place, the Thunder have enviable cap space. This flexibility allows them to explore free agency options and accept contracts in trades. Furthermore, their accumulated trading assets from previous seasons provide them with the leverage to execute large trades if desired.
Oklahoma City Thunder 2024 NBA Mock Draft – Pick #12
Nikola Topic – KK Crvena Zvezda
Position:PG
Size: 6’6″, 198 pounds
Age/Year: 18
Nationality: Serbian
Pro Comparison (by The ring): Goran Dragic
Topić’s shares briefly fell following a knee injury that kept him out of action for several months. However, his recent return to KK Crvena Zvezda has sparked renewed enthusiasm. His exceptional dribbling, court vision, and ideal passing height make him a great fit on this Thunder roster full of interchangeable pieces.
In addition to making things easier for his teammates, Topić brings a skill set that any backcourt could use more of: the ability to apply pressure on the defense. His confidence in jump shots and consistent free throws at around 80% demonstrate a developing offensive arsenal.
While his overall shooting percentages haven’t been remarkable, his willingness to shoot and positive results in his first game indicate potential for improvement. The Thunder coaching staff is known as one of the best development organizations in the game. The Thunder may prioritize more size in the front court, but Topić’s performance overseas, his fit with The current core of this roster and his scoring potential make him a compelling option for Oklahoma City at the bottom of the lottery.
2024 NBA Draft Order: First Round
1. Atlanta Falcons
2. Wizards of Washington
3. Houston Rockets (via BKN)
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Tor)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via GS)
15. Miami Heat
16. Philadelphia 76ers
17. Los Angeles Lakers
18. Magic of Orlando
19. Toronto Raptors (via IND)
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL)
22. Phoenix Suns
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via NO)
24. New York Knicks (via DAL)
25. New York Knicks
26. Washington Wizards (via BAC)
27. Minnesota Wolves
28. Denver Nuggets
29. Utah Jazz (via OKC)
30. Boston Celtics
