2020 NBA Draft mock 5.0: First 31 picks in early October

2020 NBA Draft mock #25: Oklahoma City Thunder (via Nuggets)- Elijah Hughes

The Thunder are another team to watch this offseason. They unexpectedly made the playoffs this season, but Danilo Gallinari is set to become a free agent. Dennis Schroder and Steven Adams have just one year remaining on their contracts. The team would love to move off the over $85 million owed to Chris Paul over the next two seasons too. Oklahoma City could tear their roster down and rebuild around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

If they decide to contend again in 2021, the Thunder could use a wing that can space the floor. Gallinari departing in free agency would create a scoring void too.

Elijah Hughes could be just the rookie to fit right in. The 22-year-old averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 36.7 minutes per game this season. He connected on 35.6 percent from 3-point range over the last two years combined too.

Hughes is a hard-worker with defensive potential. He stands 6’6 with a plus wingspan. Expect it to be an area of improvement over his NBA career. Playing above-average defense could be the difference in becoming a starter or playing a smaller role off the bench.

Teams will be excited about his ability to score and create his own shot. The Thunder grab Elijah Hughes in the first round to round out their talented roster.

Next: No. 26