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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 -