NBA Mock Draft: Oklahoma City Thunder Select Tyler Lydon From Syracuse

NBA Mock Draft Pick #21 -- Tyler Lydon, Power Forward, Syracuse

SBNation’s Oklahoma City Thunder blog Welcome To Loud City explains their pick:

Stradling the Luxury Tax penalty, Oklahoma City will use its choice as an economical means to secure a prospective rotation boost. After ranking 30th in three-point percentage last season, the Thunder pines for increased floor-spacing to create openings and ease usage for MVP-candidate Russell Westbrook. Also, due to free-agency complications, Oklahoma City's front-court depth could thin this summer. The proactive and logical solution to both dilemmas is selecting 6'10 hybrid-forward Tyler Lydon. Lydon, 21, averaged 13.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, and 2.2 APG in his sophomore campaign at Syracuse. Further, while shooting 39% from deep and blocking 1.4 shots per contest, Lydon can provide needed range for Oklahoma City's wing arsenal as he adjusts his body and off-dribble scoring proficiency to thrive at the next level.

Ridiculous Upside Analysis

On an OKC Thunder team that finished dead last in three-point percentage last season, its seems right for the team to select one of the best stretch fours in this year’s draft class. As a sophomore, Lydon shot 39% from beyond the arc on 3.4 perimeter attempts per game. Alongside that, Lydon is a force on the offensive glass as he pulled in 2.4 offensive boards per game. Although he’ll probably spend some time with the OKC Blue to refine his all-around game, Lydon could eventually turn into a solid asset for Russell Westbrook and the Thunder.

1. Boston Celtics - MARKELLE FULTZ, WASHINGTON

2. Los Angeles Lakers - LONZO BALL, UCLA

3. Philadelphia 76ers - JOSH JACKSON, KANSAS

4. Phoenix Suns - JONATHAN ISAAC, FLORIDA STATE

5. Sacramento Kings - DE’AARON FOX, KENTUCKY

6. Orlando Magic - JAYSON TATUM, DUKE

7. Minnesota Timberwolves - MALIK MONK, KENTUCKY

8. New York Knicks - FRANK NTILIKINA, FRANCE

9. Dallas Mavericks - DENNIS SMITH, NC STATE

10. Sacramento Kings - LAURI MARKKANEN, ARIZONA

11. Charlotte Hornets - DONOVAN MITCHELL, LOUISVILLE

12. Detroit Pistons - ZACH COLLINS, GONZAGA

13. Denver Nuggets - OG ANUNOBY, INDIANA

14. Miami Heat - TJ LEAF, UCLA

15. Portland Trail Blazers - LUKE KENNARD, DUKE

16. Chicago Bulls - DJ WILSON, MICHIGAN

17. Milwaukee Bucks - HARRY GILES, DUKE

18. Indiana Pacers - JUSTIN JACKSON, NORTH CAROLINA

19. Atlanta Hawks - JARRETT ALLEN, TEXAS

20. Portland Trail Blazers - JOHN COLLINS, WAKE FOREST

21. Oklahoma City Thunder - TYLER LYDON, SYRACUSE

22. Brooklyn Nets -

23. Toronto Raptors -

24. Utah Jazz -

25. Orlando Magic -

26. Portland Trail Blazers -

27. Brooklyn Nets -

28. Los Angeles Lakers -

29. San Antonio Spurs -

30. Utah Jazz -