2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0: Final Draft Order Edition

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Mar 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) dunks the ball against the Kent State Golden Flashes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Oklahoma City Thunder- T.J. Leaf- PF- UCLA

The Oklahoma City Thunder need floor spacers around Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is coming off perhaps the best statistical season in NBA history, and they need players to fit around him. Steven Adams, Victor Oladipo, and Enes Kanter make up the rest of the core, and there is not a great three-point shooter or player who can spread the floor among the group. Expect the Thunder to be looking to add some spacing this offseason.

Why T.J. Leaf?

The Oklahoma City Thunder had the worst three-point percentage in the NBA last regular season, and the 6’10 T.J. Leaf shot an outstanding 46.6% at UCLA. Leaf is a stretch four that fits well in the modern NBA. I would not be surprised to see a team take a shot on him a little earlier on June 22. He fills a major need for Oklahoma City in the three-point shooting department.

The Thunder would have to use Leaf wisely this coming season as he profiles to struggle on the defensive end of the floor. Throwing him and Kanter out there as the front court pairing would be great on offense, but disastrous on the defensive end. All players at this stage in the draft have some warts, but I like the fit between the Thunder and T.J. Leaf at pick 21.

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