Who Might the Thunder Draft at No. 30?

It is highly unlikely that Sam Presti will keep both the 34th and 30th pick in the 2022 draft. 

If he does not choose to package the 30th pick, here is the Thunder’s top options with the last pick in the first round.

Marjon Beauchamp (Ignite)

Marjon Beauchamp has an amazing defensive package. He displayed lateral quickness, good technique fighting through screens, and swarms ball handlers.

Offensively, he finishes above the rim which is impressive for being listed at six-foot-six. 

Beauchamp uses screens and handoffs to attack downhill. Utilizing his quick first step and explosiveness Beauchamp can get any bucket he wants in the paint.

His interior scoring is strong, Beauchamp’s outside shooting though…not so much. Shooting 24 percent from the perimeter in the G-League will not suffice in the NBA.

Despite his poor percentage, Beauchamp’s mechanics are solid which gives NBA scouts hope he can improve.

With his athleticism and frame Beauchamp would be a plug and play man for OKC. Plus how could Presti pass up a seven-foot-one wingspan at pick No. 30?

Christian Braun (Kansas)

While most scouts eyes were on Kansas teammate Ochai Agbaji this season, Christian Braun raised a lot of eyebrows at this year’s NBA combine.

Having the third best vertical amongst his competition, Braun proved he is more athletic than people previously assumed.

His sharp shooting is one of his biggest strengths, finishing last season shooting 38 percent from deep.

Defensively, Braun is a nightmare. He is quick and tough in one-on-one, strong off-ball and rotates well. Most importantly, he baits opponents into making poor decisions.

Braun’s decisive play truly shines in transition. Pushes the pace, finishes with both hands and makes rapid decisions will make him a perfect 3-and-D player.

Although Presti is known for drafting “people first, players second.” 

Braun is well known for playing with a certain type of competitive attitude. His kind of passion and aggressiveness might not be a culture fit for Oklahoma City.

That being said, Braun’s tenacity might just be what the Thunder need.

Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Milwaukee)

Listed as six-foot-nine, Patrick Baldwin Jr. holds the handle and size to score over guards that pick him up on switches.

Baldwin Jr. has a smooth shooting stroke with an unblock-able release point. He’s solid in pick-and-pop situations, can run pick-and-rolls and spot up in the corner.

Yet he only shot 26 percent from the perimeter so his efficiency will need to improve.

Struggles to finish through contact so Baldwin Jr. is known to settle for floaters and contested jump shots.

If he gets drafted to OKC Baldwin Jr. would have time to develop his defensive fundamentals.