There’s no telling how long OKC keeps the core in tact. This has been a surprisingly fun season for the Thunder, but no core piece outside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is safe beyond this season — Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, and Steven Adams included.
Adams’ uncertain future opens the door for someone like Vernon Carey Jr. While he hasn’t seen major minutes this season, the Duke freshman has thoroughly dominated his time on the court. He’s one of the most productive per-minute players in college basketball.
Carey is a hulking 6-foot-10, and his physical tools translate to countless easy looks at the rim. He has soft touch inside, and has even knocked down a handful of threes this season. He could expand his game at the next level. The real question is defense, as is the case with a lot of center prospects these days.