One Spot Too Late

This isn't a shot at Russell Westbrook. His physical talents are apparent. He has jaw-dropping athleticism, can go around any defender at any time and get to the basket at will. He shows great potential as a drive and kick point guard (which would be better if the Thunder had a single shooter on the team). Unlike Jeff Green, I haven't had to wonder if he has 'it'. Westbrook has it. It will be years before we know if he develops it and becomes the player the Thunder need him to be, but the pick can be justified.

However, the Thunder were unfortunate, because the player they really needed went one spot earlier. The Thunder have no one who can space the floor and hit open shots. The Thunder have no one who can consistently score to take the pressure off of Durant. The Thunder need a shooting guard to slide Durant to his natural position. The Thunder needed OJ Mayo.

10 games in, he's averaging 21 ppg on 45% shooting and including 40% from 3-point range. And he's still getting better: after averaging 14 ppg in his first 4 games, he's averaged over 25 ppg in his last six. He wasn't necessarily the safest pick, but 10 games in, he has already realized a great deal of his potential.

This obviously isn't the Thunder's fault. They can't control how the ping-pong balls bounce. And there is no telling who they would have selected if they had received the third pick...given Mayo's history, it might have been an unlikely pick. So maybe the Thunder are lucky after all...this way no one can second guess them.