2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: How the picks should fall
Oklahoma City Thunder. Jonathan Kuminga. 6. player. 149. . SF
2021 NBA Mock Draft — 6. Jonathan Kuminga, Oklahoma City Thunder
Not necessarily my favorite prospect on the board, but certainly the player with the highest ceiling, Jonathan Kuminga is OKC’s pick. The Thunder are in a position to exercise patience, so while Scottie Barnes or James Bouknight may offer more immediate production, Kuminga’s athletic profile and shot-making upside warrant investment.
Kuminga had a rocky season with the G-League Ignite, but he showcased the talent that earned him five stars coming out of high school. At 6-foot-8, he’s a brawny, physical athlete, with massive potential getting downhill and scoring through contact at the rim. He already has some nifty footwork at his disposal, while his slick ball-handling and fairly high basketball I.Q. should allow him to contribute early on, even if aspects of his game need polishing.
Defensive intensity has long been a point of focus for Kuminga, who has all the tools to become a great defender, but hasn’t always applied them. OKC would give him a runway for a lot of early reps, and he would have the chance to prove his mettle on both sides of the ball. He serves as a nice Robin to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Batman in OKC’s rebuild.