Oklahoma City Thunder 2009 Draft

A disappointing franchise, just 5 seasons ago the Seattle Supersonics/Oklahoma City Thunder enjoyed a 52-30 season. Ever since then this franchise has had disappointing seasons, ridiculous trades, horrible free agent market playability, and controversy with city of Seattle. They finally decided to move to Oklahoma City after it was discovered they wanted a permanent franchise there. The Thunder have drafted well the last two seasons, picking up Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, but they need a team around the two of them to develop into an NBA caliber team.

At pick #3 the Thunder should draft:
James Harden - Arizona State
SG
6'5" 222 lbs.

With a couple seasons to develop and playing for a not-so-good team like Oklahoma City, Harden could easily become the Brandon Roy or Manu Ginobili of the Thunder. Harden is an athlete with a great feel and understanding of the game who knows when he has to be a facilitator and when he has to take over the scoring load. As much as he brings in terms of scoring, his vision and playmaking ability may be his most impressive attributes. He makes great reads and is extremely unselfish. Harden's leaping ability and quickness are only marginal, which forces him into tough and contested drives and makes it hard for him to get by people.

At pick #25 the Thunder should draft:
Ty Lawson - North Carolina
PG
6'0" 197 lbs.

This year Lawson proved that when he is injury free he can be an extremely efficient PG. Lawson's shooting ability has improved since last year; especially behind the 3 point line improving from 36% last year to 47% this year. Defensively, his lateral quickness is solid and he stays in front of his opponent most of the time. Lawson shoots the ball very low and doesn't get much lift on his shot making it tough to get off against bigger defenders. Lawson has to improve his mid-range shot and ability to create shots off the dribble (pull-up jump-shot). I would compare Lawson to Terrell Brandon.