Ranking The Thunder's Top 25 Draft Prospects: 10-8

The countdown of the Thunder's top 25 NBA Draft prospects continues with Nos. 10-8.

Monday, June 23rd 2014, 6:26 pm

By: News 9


It's day No. 6 of the Thunder's NBA Draft countdown. To read about how the countdown works and about prospects 25-23, it's highly suggested that you click the link below.

RELATED STORY: Ranking The Thunder's NBA Draft Prospects: 25-23

To read about prospects 22-11, click the following links.

Ranking The Thunder's NBA Draft Prospects: 22-20

Ranking The Thunder's NBA Draft Prospects: 19-17

Ranking The Thunder's NBA Draft Prospects: 16-14

Ranking The Thunder's NBA Draft Prospects: 13-11

10. Jordan Clarkson – PG/SG – Missouri

Grade if picked 21st: C

Grade if picked 29th: A

Strengths

Pretty much everything. At 6-foot-5 with a 6'8 wingspan, Clarkson has the size and skill set to compete immediately. He's a combo guard who can attack the rim and finish, pull up and shoot, and actually enjoys finding his teammates.

Weaknesses

Clarkson's one offensive hole is the 3-point shot; he hit just 28 percent from the shorter college line last season. He'll need to improve that number if he wants to make a consistent offensive impact on an NBA rotation. His stock will also slip in this draft because he's 22 years old and not the best athlete. Translated: some teams shy away from guys who aren't likely to improve all that much.

NBA player comparison

Wesley Matthews, Lance Stephenson

How he fits the Thunder

Clarkson's age and experience might deter some teams but the Thunder shouldn't be one of them. He's a consistent 3-point jumper away from potentially being an impact player. And for the Thunder, he comes at a position of need.

9. Tyler Ennis – PG – Syracuse

At 21: B

At 29: A+

Strengths

Ennis is a true point guard and a willing passer. He has a high basketball IQ and despite being a freshman at Syracuse last season, played like a coach on the court. Despite his unselfishness, Ennis has no problems scoring. He averaged 13 points and shot 35 percent from deep last season. Ennis also has ideal length at 6-foot-2 with a 6'7 wingspan.

Weaknesses

As far as physical tools go, Ennis' length might be ideal, but that's about all. He's not all that strong, quick or athletic. His lack of physicality and athleticism hurt his defense, especially against bigger opponents.

NBA player comparison

Mike Conley, Luke Ridnour

How he fits the Thunder

Of the three realistic point guard targets (Ennis, Napier, Payton), Ennis might be the best immediate fit for OKC. He's a pass-first guy who will have no issue deferring to Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, while still maintaining enough offensive skill to make defenders respect his game. He's only 19 years old, but a high maturity level should allow Ennis to make the Thunder's rotation right away.

8. Mitch McGary – PF/C – Michigan

At 21: C+

At 29: A+

Strengths

At 265 lbs, McGary is tough, strong and likes to outfight and outhustle his opponent. He possesses a high basketball IQ and has a good idea of where to be on the floor. McGary is also extremely skilled for a big man. He is a good passer, ball handler and can hit open jumpers.

Weaknesses

He doesn't possess ideal length for an NBA big. 6-foot-10 is okay, but a 6'11 wingspan will certainly hinder his ability to finish longer NBA centers. If McGary were athletic, it would help to make up for his lack of length. Unfortunately, he's not. Without ideal size and ideal athleticism, McGary will likely slip into the late first round.

NBA player comparison

Tyler Hansbrough, Al Jefferson

How he fits the Thunder

As the Spurs have proven once again, championships aren't won at the combine. They're won by filling your team with guys who can ball, and McGary can ball. He's a good player who will find a way to make an impact. With Kendrick Perkins entering the final season of his contract and Nick Collison regressing with age, the Thunder needs to replenish its post-player stash. McGary is one of the very few NBA-ready bigs in this draft and he has the talent to make the OKC rotation next season.

Stay tuned on Tuesday for prospects 7-5.

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