How Dariq Whitehead Fits with the OKC Thunder

Next up in the Thunder Fits series, which will detail each draft prospects potential fit with the Thunder, is Duke forward Dariq Whitehead.

With the Oklahoma City Thunder entering the offseason, it’s officially time to time to switch gears to prospect evaluation mode.

And this year’s impending draft has plenty of players that can help bolster the OKC core.

No matter how unlikely it is Oklahoma City lands certain prospects, the Thunder Fit series will take a look at how they would fit with the current team’s configuration. And with a war chest of assets, you never know how far the front office could move up to acquire a player.

The next prospect up in the series is Duke forward Dariq Whitehead, who saw a down and injury riddled season with the Blue Devils.

Here’s how Whitehead could fit alongside the rest of the Thunder core:

Offense

Once thought of as the top collegiate prospect heading into the season, Whitehead had a shaky college year, averaging 8.3 points on 42 percent shooting in just over 20 minutes per game.

It was recently announced that Whitehead would be having another foot surgery, after the first one, which he underwent in preseason, didn’t heal right.

And it makes plenty of sense. At his healthiest, Whitehead looked a tough shot-maker and athletic specimen, using his 6-foot-7 frame to power his way around the court. He still managed to shoot 43 percent from 3-point land on the year with Duke.

With Oklahoma City, Whitehead could function as a perfectly-sized forward to slot right in between the teams talented guards and big men, primarily being used as a catch-and-shoot player with some off-the-bounce juice, too.

His passing and decision-making stands to grow plenty, but in terms of physical attributes, Whitehead has them all and the confidence to match.

Defense

While he’ll likely make the most of his time on-court on the offensive end, Whitehead isn’t shy on defense. And likely projects to be an average to above average defender in the NBA.

He averaged nearly one steal per game in limited minutes, and recovering from his injury will grant him even more verticality and lateral quickness.

Alongside Luguentz Dort and Chet Holmgren, Whitehead would be a versatile defensive piece.

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