2: Oklahoma City Thunder
It feels like it’s been eons since Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook made the Oklahoma City Thunder a contender. After Durant signed with Golden State in free agency in 2016, Oklahoma City was a first-round playoff exit for four straight years. In the past two seasons, the Thunder haven’t made it to the postseason at all.
That could change with a player like Robinson. For seven years, Oklahoma City had rebounding machine Steven Adams, who’s now a starter with Memphis. The Thunder have been looking to turn back the clock and get a younger center.
Utah traded Derrick Favors to Oklahoma City last summer and he played in 39 games (18 starts) and averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. He shot 51.6% from the field and 64% from the free-throw line. The Thunder haven’t had a consistent force at the five and the team needs someone who can protect the rim.
Robinson fits that bill. He’s a rim-running center that would benefit the games of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Oklahoma City has the money to sign the big man, but since the Thunder finished the season with a 24-58 record, the team holds the fourth-highest lottery odds.
Sam Presti and Oklahoma City will have three total first-round picks. The Thunder are in the process of rebuilding their team and Presti has been the mastermind behind the scenes stockpiling draft picks.
While Oklahoma City could pick a center in the 2022 Draft, Robinson’s age and potential would fit the Thunder’s roster. The question is if Presti wants to draft and develop a center, or if he would rather sign one from elsewhere.
If he’s leaning towards the latter, expect Oklahoma City to pursue Robinson once the clock strikes midnight on July 1.