If Oklahoma City opts to take a guard in the 2026 NBA Draft, who should the Thunder consider?
The Oklahoma City Thunder don’t need another guard. That’s what makes the conversation around the number 12 pick so interesting.
When a roster is already loaded with creators and ball handlers led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell and sometimes Cason Wallace, Nikola Topic, or Jared McCain, most people naturally look at wings or frontcourt depth in the draft. But the Thunder have never been a team that drafts strictly for need.
Sam Presti has consistently leaned toward talent, upside, versatility, and long term value over immediate positional holes. That means if the best player available at 12 happens to be a guard, Oklahoma City could absolutely go that direction.
One name that makes a ton of sense is Mikel Brown Jr. Brown has been projected anywhere from top ten to the late lottery to mid-first round range in several mock drafts and remains one of the more talented offensive guards in the class despite dealing with injuries during his freshman season at Louisville.
His combination of shot creation, pace, and playmaking fits the exact archetype the Thunder value. Oklahoma City loves guards that can play on or off the ball while making quick reads, and Brown’s scoring versatility would fit naturally within the Thunder’s drive-and-kick ecosystem. He wouldn’t need to carry an offense immediately, which is probably the ideal developmental environment for him.
Brayden Burries is another guard that feels very “Thunder-like.” Multiple mock drafts have connected him to the lottery because of his polished two-way game and physicality at the guard spot. Burries plays with maturity and control, two traits Oklahoma City prioritizes heavily.
He’s not necessarily the flashiest athlete in the class, but the Thunder have built one of the best scouting infrastructures in basketball by identifying players that process the game quickly. Burries’ ability to defend, make connective plays, and thrive without dominating the ball could make him a seamless fit in Oklahoma City’s system.
Then there’s Labaron Philon, who may have one of the highest ceilings of the group. Philon has been consistently projected in the middle of the first round and brings downhill pressure, creativity, and real playmaking juice.
The Thunder already have several guards, but they also value lineup flexibility more than traditional positions. Philon’s burst and ability to collapse defenses would add another layer to an offense that already overwhelms teams with decision making and paint touches. He’s the type of player Oklahoma City could slowly develop without rushing him into a major role early.
Cameron Carr may be the most intriguing fit of all. The Baylor guard has legitimate athletic pop, shot making ability, and defensive upside at 6-foot-5.
Carr feels like the kind of swing Oklahoma City has become comfortable taking late in the lottery or middle of the first round but could very well rise after this week’s combine. The Thunder have repeatedly shown confidence in their developmental program, and Carr’s raw tools could flourish in that environment. His length and explosiveness would give the Thunder another interchangeable perimeter piece capable of fitting into their switch heavy defensive identity.
Ultimately, the Thunder’s roster flexibility gives them the luxury of ignoring positional need. At pick number 12, that’s a dangerous advantage for the rest of the league because Oklahoma City can simply take the most talented player on the board regardless of position. If that player happens to be a guard, history says the Thunder won’t hesitate.