Sam Presti often defies consensus projections. Discover which overlooked prospects could join Oklahoma City’s roster.
The 2026 NBA Draft takes place across two days starting June 23, and Oklahoma City currently has the 12th, 17th and 37th overall picks. Popular draft targets among Thunder fans include the Michigan trio of Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson Jr. and Aday Mara along with Keaton Wagler, Brayden Burries, Cameron Carr and Dailyn Swain.
These players are desired for a reason and would add new layers to Oklahoma City’s roster. But the general consensus often does not align with Sam Presti’s opinion, such as the Jalen Williams selection in the 2022 Draft. Thunder fans must be ready for anything on draft night, so here are under-the-radar prospects that could attract Presti’s gaze.
Kingston Flemings: The Houston guard measured 6-foot-2.5 barefoot with a 6-foot-3.5 wingspan at the NBA Combine and will be 19 years old on Opening Night. Although his frame is on the smaller end, Flemings punches above his weight class and functionally plays bigger. He’s a relentless point-of-attack defender who possesses great quickness and hands. On the other end, the former Cougar consistently beats defenders off the bounce and finishes at the rim well. He also knocks down three-pointers and creates advantages without committing too many turnovers. The Thunder might be able to select him at 12th overall, but it’s more likely that they would need to trade up a few spots to snag him.
Bennett Stirtz: The Iowa guard measured 6-foot-2.5 barefoot with a 6-foot-6 wingspan and will be 23 years old on Opening Night. He’s an older prospect who mainly adds value as a half-court creator and perimeter shooter. Oklahoma City’s bench could use more ball handling and playmaking, so selecting a low-turnover guard like Stirtz may be wise. His athleticism and defense are question marks at the NBA level, but he should be able to hold his own. Look for Stirtz to be an option at 17th overall.
Dillon Mitchell: The St. John’s forward measured 6-foot-6.75 barefoot with a 6-foot-10.5 wingspan and will be 23 years old on Opening Night. Mitchell is an elite athlete who makes his mark offensively in transition and on cuts and lobs. His defensive versatility, rebounding and passing are also positive traits. Mitchell’s ceiling is limited because of his non-existent jumper, but he could become a nice energy guy that defends physical wings. Oklahoma City may be able to draft him at 37th overall and sign him to a two-way contract.
