NBA Mock Draft: OKC Thunder Grab Stretch Big in Round One

In a recent Bleacher Report NBA mock draft, Oklahoma City grabbed a stretch big to potentially pair alongside Chet Holmgren.

Thunder big man Chet Holmgren saw his quasi-NBA debut on Tuesday, scoring an electric 21 points in just one half of play.

But as the only true center on the team, it’s never too early to start thinking about his future frontcourt pairing.

In a recent Bleacher Report mock draft, Jonathan Wasserman has Oklahoma City selecting Duke’s Kyle Filipowski with the No. 18 overall pick.

At 7-foot, Filipowski was a highly-touted recruit who will be entering his sophomore season with the Blue Devils. He has a modern skillset, shying more towards an offensive force than a defensive one.

He saw good counting stats, 15.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. But struggled to be efficient overall. Now, in year two, that along with a boost to the defensive side is what scouts and teams will be looking for.

“Filipowski figures to be one of college hoops' most impactful bigs with the type of inside-out scoring versatility that screams NBA fit,” Wasserman wrote. “How well he can execute at the next level is the question, but improved three-point shooting and more flashes of face-up scoring should help lock Filipowski into the first round.”

Holmgren is going to be a known defensive presence throughout the league. But his offense, as was on display Tuesday, will quickly become known too. OKC's 7-footer's is fluid as they come, but isn't as strong on the interior than most bigs.

Filipowski has the potential to stretch the floor as well, utilizing strong shooting form, mobility and his 7-foot attributes to his advantage. He also thrives primarily as an interior and midrange scorer for the most part.

A frontcourt pairing of Holmgren and Filipowski, espcially for the price of a mid-first round selection, could do wonders for OKC from both and offensive and defensive perspective.

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