ESPN 2023 mock draft: Thunder to take Ausar Thompson with No. 5 pick
With the calendar flipped to December, ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony released a 2023 NBA mock draft.
The NBA season is well underway and the college season is in its infancy stages. This means for the next four months, they’ll be plenty of basketball to watch at both the pro level and college level.
For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Givony projects them to take two players in the draft: No. 5 pick Ausar Thompson and No. 35 pick Terrance Arceneaux. Thompson is a 19-year-old win playing for Overtime Elite while Arceneaux is a 19-year-old win playing for Houston.
Givony also spoke a bit about Thompson’s outside shooting, where he’s shooting 40 percent from outside:
“While most NBA eyes have been planted firmly on the opening weeks of college basketball, scouts are still closely monitoring the progress of non-NCAA prospects. One notable development has been the highly efficient month of November that Ausar Thompson had at Overtime Elite, averaging 18.5 points in 26.5 minutes while shooting 59% for 2, 40% for 3 and 73% from the free throw line, while continuing to display the same defensive versatility (3.5 steals, one block) that has always characterized his game. Thompson’s shooting mechanics look noticeably improved, especially his footwork and balance, even pulling up off the dribble, and continuing to get good results from the perimeter will go a long way in solidifying himself in the mid-lottery, which is currently wide open.”
With the Thunder a surprising 9-13 this season, if they can land the No. 5 pick and take Thompson, I’m sure most fans would be elated.
List
PHOTOS: Best images from the Thunder's 119-111 win over the Spurs
