Durant happy with picks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — It might have been underwhelming to most, but Kevin Durant is among those who supports the draft the Thunder had Thursday night.
“I’m glad we picked up some good guys, some young guys that’s going to help us out,” Durant told The Oklahoman. “Hopefully, they play.”
That seems to be the point of contention. Most figure the four players OKC walked away with won’t.
The Thunder selected Pittsburgh center Steven Adams with the 12th overall pick, traded up three spots to take Colorado forward Andre Roberson at No. 26, plucked Alex Abrines out of Spain with the 32nd selection and acquired Grant Jerrett, originally the 40th pick out of Arizona by Portland.
“I think people are disappointed more because they don’t know the names,” Durant said. “If you don’t know the names of course you’re going to be a little disappointed. But no matter what, we got a rookie and he’s going to
Opinions varied considerably on how to grade the Thunder’s selections in Thursday night’s NBA Draft (see chart), but such usually is the case when a team is stockpiling talent.
Impatient critics tend to grade more harshly than those willing to wait.
“In order to maintain, build and enhance an elite organization, it’s imperative that we continue to layer young talent into our organization as we move forward,” Thunder general manager Sam Presti explained at 12:10 a.m. Friday. “Tonight was another opportunity to do that.”
OKC selected three 19year-olds and one 21-yearold underclassman, none of whom is expected to contribute immediately on a team figured to once again challenge for the NBA crown next season.
The first opportunity to judge the Thunder’s selections will come July 7-12 when the 10-team Orlando Pro Summer League is held on the practice court at Amway Center.
OKC’s summer league roster has yet to be finalized, but it’s likely that center Steven Adams (No. 12 overall selection), for-
be new to the game. It’s not like any rookie is going to come in and have an immediate impact, especially on our team with a bunch of young guys that already have their spots solidified.”
Durant admitted he isn’t familiar with Adams or Roberson. But he said he expects them to fit in.
“I didn’t get to see them at all. I didn’t get to watch either one of them,” Durant said. “But I’ve heard a few things about them, plus YouTube is a source to let me know about those guys. I got to watch that a little bit. But I’m sure they’re going to come in and work hard and be ready to play.”
Georgetown coach John Thompson III, who coached against Adams’ Pittsburgh team in Big East play this year, said Adams’ size is what stands out most.
“He’s a presence,” Thompson told The Oklahoman on Friday. “He’s big in terms of height as well as in terms of stature. He’s still developing, and that always happens with big guys. Sometimes big guys take a little longer. But I think he’s going to be very, very good. He’s going to be a presence right away.”
As for the disappointment, Durant encourages fans to realize what’s done is done.
“We got the best players we could at those picks,” Durant said. “All they should do is support us.”