2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: How the picks should fall
Oklahoma City Thunder. Sharife Cooper. 18. player. 149. . PG
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 18. Sharife Cooper, Oklahoma City Thunder
The Kemba Walker era should be temporary in OKC, meaning point guard is still a position of relative uncertainty. Theo Maledon showed promise last season, but he’s not really a long-term starter next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Or, he doesn’t seem to be yet. Sharife Cooper can infuse OKC’s backcourt with high-level facilitating and shot-making upside.
The 6-foot-4 Cooper flew far too under the radar at times last season, not getting the credit he deserves as a top-20 prospect. He is one of the best passers in the draft — a dynamic pick-and-roll guard, with eyes in the back of his head and a true point guard’s mentality.
Cooper’s next step will involve growth as a scorer. He can finish with touch inside and he’s athletic enough to survive, but the 3-point shot is wobbly. Until he can pose a consistent threat from deep, defenses will play the pass and wall off the lane.