2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land difference-maker, Victor Wembanyama heads East

12. Oklahoma City Thunder take Jordan Hawkins

Hawkins helped UConn win the NCAA championship in 2023 as his playing time and production took a massive leap in his second college season. He averaged 16.2 points and 3.8 rebounds in 29.4 minutes per game.

Hawkins made 38.8 percent of his threes after making just 33.3 percent as a freshman. His jumper looks smooth with a quick release, and he offers upside with his ability to nail them in transition and coming off screens. NBA teams could scheme up plenty of open looks for the 21-year-old from the moment he enters the NBA.

Hawkins is a 6’5 wing, but he is not a lead ball-handler and there are some questions about his defense. Can he play slightly above-average D in the NBA? He has the size and plays with energy, but he may struggle to defend on the ball, especially early in his NBA career. Hawkins also needs to add more mass if he wants to be able to switch onto forwards at the next level.

No team has more young talent than the Thunder, and they look ready to leap into the playoffs in 2024. Adding a lights-out shooter like Jordan Hawkins to space the floor for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Chet Holmgren would make OKC a scary team to face for the next decade.