Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft

Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft — 18. Cam Thomas, Thunder

OKC should probably look to stockpile some firepower in this spot. Cam Thomas can score with the best of ’em. In brief appearances for Brooklyn, Thomas was able regularly separate from defenders and torch defenses going one-on-one. It’s valid to doubt the rest of Thomas’ collective skill set and wonder how much of a winning player he’ll ever be, but the talent is undeniable. The dude can score.

While both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are special prospects, Thomas would bring a different dynamic to the offense. He can bail out a stagnant offense and he can attack the seams created by his teammates. If Thomas learns to play a more inclusive brand of basketball, he could really play off of and benefit from OKC’s other young guards.

There’s a version of Thomas’ career where he tops out as a seventh or eighth man who gets phased out in the playoffs because he’s too one-noted. He has to try on defense and he has to look to get teammates involved. The Nets’ system probably isn’t the best place for Thomas to develop such skills, but OKC could really try to bring him up behind and alongside the Gilgeous-Alexander/Giddey duo.