2012 NBA Draft Grades: Sacramento Kings Earn 'A' For Thomas Robinson Selection From Chad Ford

The Sacramento Kings stood still and allowed the 2012 NBA Draft to come to them. The (lack of a) move worked and Kansas forward Thomas Robinson fell right into the team's lap last night, giving them potentially the second best player in the draft class outside of Anthony Davis at No. 5 overall. The selection earned the team an instant "A" grade from Chad Ford, ESPN's NBA analyst and resident draft guru.

The Kings were patient and it paid off. After Davis, Robinson was the second guy on their board, and through some serious luck, they landed him at No. 5. I think he's a great fit in Sacramento alongside DeMarcus Cousins. Between the two, they should dominate both on the defensive and offensive glass. Pairing him with Cousins also takes pressure off him to produce right away on offense. While I know Robinson would've preferred to be the face of the franchise in Charlotte, developmentally, the Kings are a better fit.

Robinson and Cousins give the Kings a dominant tandem inside and the team has some interesting backcourt players as well. Tyreke Evans is a solid scorer and the Kings could become an interesting team to watch in 2012-13.

For more on Thomas Robinson and the 2012 NBA Draft, check out Rock Chalk Talk, Sactown Royalty and SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Draft Grades 2012: Oklahoma City Thunder Earn 'A' For Perry Jones Selection

The 2012 NBA Draft has come and gone and the draft grades are rolling in the day after. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, they only had one choice — a later first round pick at No. 28 — but by most accounts, the team nailed the pick given their limitations with a potential high-reward player in Baylor’s Perry Jones.

Chad Ford loves the choice and gives the team an “A” grade in his rankings over at ESPN. While he comes with some risks, the Thunder can definitely afford a reach and the upside is tremendous. He writes:

If Perry Jones had gone in the lottery, I probably would’ve given the team who drafted him a C. But at 28? Grab him! Once again the Thunder showed why they are smarter than most of the league. Jones was sliding because of a potential meniscus issue in his left knee. If it’s serious, I understand. But knees are repairable. Jones is an elite athlete who never really found his niche at Baylor. He has the perfect mentor in Kevin Durant in OKC. You have to love it when players with his potential get put into the best possible position to succeed. I’m sure Jones was upset he slid so far in the draft. He shouldn’t have. The Thunder are the perfect incubator for his talent.

Read more about the Oklahoma City Thunder and their draft prospects at Welcome To Loud City as well as here at SB Nation Kansas City. Be sure to check out our 2012 NBA Draft hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

2012 NBA Draft: Detroit Pistons Feel 'Really, Really Lucky' To Land Kim English

Kim English was one of the hotter names leading up to the 2012 NBA Draft as a guy who was impressing late in workouts and impressing scouts along the way. That success paid off last night as the Detroit Pistons selected the Missouri star in the second round at No. 44 overall.

ESPN analyst Chad Ford said before the draft that English was a name to watch for his ability to shoot from three-point range, and that's exactly what the Pistons brass said after the draft.

"All three of our picks tonight, we feel extremely lucky to get them," Pistons personnel director George David said. "I don't know if we've had a draft here where that many guys, three guys we had ranked higher, fell to us like that. We've been pretty fortunate here the last three years."

"[English] was a strong consideration at 39," David continued. "We really, really feel lucky to get English at 44. He brings what I would call extreme toughness, a motor, to our team that we really value. He brings a perseverance, a determination and a toughness that fits everything we're about and everything we're trying to be about."

English and Marcus Denmon were the only Tigers taken in the draft. Denmon went to the Spurs at No. 59 overall.

For more on Kim English and the 2012 NBA Draft, be sure to check out Rock M Nation,Detroit Bad Boys and SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 NBA Draft: Brooklyn Nets Excited To Add Tyshawn Taylor In Second Rond

Tyshawn Taylor is headed home and achieving his dreams of playing pro basketball, all at the same time. The New Jersey native landed with the Brooklyn Nets last night in a trade during the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft that sent the Kansas point guard from the Portland Trailblazers to the Nets to help the young team secure help at the point.

For Taylor, it's a homecoming of sorts since he was born in Hoboken and played his high school ball at St. Anthony. Taylor was considered a fringe first round selection who could slide given the number of point guards in this draft, and he ended up going No. 41 overall to the Blazers. He was then sent to the Nets for cash considerations.

Nets general manager Billy King loved the pick and said it was a good spot to grab him considering where they had Taylor on their player rankings.

"We had him on our board pretty high," King said. "We were trying to get a young point guard that we could groom. We liked his pedigree and his ability to play in big games. Once we started to slide, we made the move to get him. We liked his overall play as a point guard and we think his best basketball is ahead of him. We like his decision making and his size. He knows what it takes to be successful. He's played with a lot of talented players in the past and that makes you a better player."

The Nets are the offseason's biggest free agent questions as well with Deron Williams potentially bolting for the Dallas Mavericks. If that happens, Taylor could earn some quick playing time for the Nets. If not, he'll get to learn behind one of the best in the NBA and bolster the position with youth and quickness.

Taylor was the second Kansas player to be selected. Thomas Robinson was the first at No. 5 overall to the Sacramento Kings.

2012 NBA Draft Results: Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Lead First Round

While it was expected that Anthony Davis would be taken at the top of the 2012 NBA Draft, it was his Kentucky teammate Michael Kidd-Gilchrist taken at No. 2 by the Charlotte Bobcats that provided the first surprise in last night's first round. That means that Thomas Robinson slid all the way to No. 5 to the Sacramento Kings.

In case you missed the draft last night, here's the results for you below. The trades were minimal, but many teams got better with some intriguing new prospects.

Complete first round results:
1. New Orleans Hornets - Anthony Davis (Kentucky)
2. Charlotte Bobcats - Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky)
3. Washington Wizards - Bradley Beal (Florida)
4. Cleveland Cavaliers - Dion Waiters (Syracuse)
5. Sacramento Kings - Thomas Robinson (Kansas)
6. Portland Trail Blazers - Damian Lillard (Weber State)
7. Golden State Warriors - Harrison Barnes (North Carolina)
8. Toronto Raptors - Terrence Ross (Washington)
9. Detroit Pistons - Andre Drummond (Connecticut)
10. New Orleans Hornets - Austin Rivers (Duke)
11. Portland Trail Blazers - Meyers Leonard (Illinois)
12. Houston Rockets - Jeremy Lamb (Connecticut)
13. Phoenix Suns - Kendall Marshall (North Carolina)
14. Milwaukee Bucks - John Henson (North Carolina)
15. Philadelphia 76ers - Moe Harkless (Syracuse)
16. Houston Rockets - Royce White (Iowa State)
17. Dallas Mavericks - Tyler Zeller (North Carolina)
18. Houston Rockets - Terrence Jones (Kentucky)
19. Orlando Magic - Andrew Nicholson (St. Bonaventure)
20. Denver Nuggets - Evan Fournier (France)
21. Boston Celtics - Jared Sullinger (Ohio State)
22. Boston Celtics - Fab Melo (Syracuse)
23. Atlanta Hawks - John Jenkins (Vanderbilt)
24. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jared Cunningham (Oregon State)
25. Memphis Grizzlies - Tony Wroten (Washington)
26. Indiana Pacers - Miles Plumlee (Duke)
27. Miami Heat - Arnett Moultrie (Mississippi State)
28. Oklahoma City Thunder - Perry Jones (Baylor)
29. Chicago Bulls - Marquis Teague (Kentucky)
30. Golden State Warriors - Festus Ezeli (Vanderbilt)

NBA Draft Grades: Thomas Robinson Called 'Dream Scenario' For Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings waited and watched while everyone else stayed a part of the frenzy. The Charlotte Bobcats were the talk of the 2012 NBA Draft in the weeks before with constant discussion of moving down. The Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers were both potentially interested in moving up. Yet in the end, everyone stayed in place and grabbed a prospect they clearly liked.

Through it all, Thomas Robinson, the second best player according to most in the draft, fell to the Sacramento Kings at No. 5. Now the team now has a frontcourt player to pair with DeMarcus Cousins for one of the best young tandems in the league.

ESPN’s Chad Ford writes, "This is a dream scenario for the Kings. They need the toughness, the rebounding and the motor that Robinson brings to the table. I think he’s the perfect fit in the frontcourt alongside Cousins."

This makes Jason Thompson a nice rotational player to bring in for several minutes a game and gives the team flexibility up front. Robinson adds an instant impact player on the court and he should really help on the glass alongside Cousins. Robinson averaged nearly 18 points and 12 rebounds for Kansas, leading them to the NCAA title game this spring.

The Kings have a long climb ahead of them as a franchise, but landing Cousins and then Robinson for their frontcourt in two of the last three drafts is a great start.

For more on Thomas Robinson and the 2012 NBA Draft, check out Rock Chalk Talk, Sactown Royalty and SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 NBA Draft: Kim English Selected By Detroit Pistons With No. 44 Pick

Missouri guard Kim English was taken by the Detroit Pistons with the No. 14 pick in the second round.

English a 6-foot-6, 192 lb. shooting guard had a breakout season for the Tigers, especially in his shot. The senior hit from downtown at 45 percent, up from an already respectable average of 37 percent in his first three seasons. While scouts say he lacks raw strength and explosiveness, he's lauded for elusiveness and creativity on the floor.

For more on Kim English and the 2012 NBA Draft, be sure to check out Rock M Nation, Detroit Bad Boys and SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 NBA Draft: Tyshawn Taylor Selected By Trail Blazers With No. 41 Pick

Kansas guard Tyshawn Taylor was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the No. 11 pick in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft on Thursday night. Taylor was the second Jayhawk taked on the night, after teammate Thomas Robinson went to the Sacramento Kings with the No. 5 pick of the first round.

Taylor is a 6-foot-4, 177lb. point guard who developed slowly over four seasons at KU, helping leading the Jayhawks to the national title game this season thanks to a NCAA Tournament average of 11.16 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.5 APG in six games, despite shooting only 1-of-21 from three point range. Scouts like his raw athletic ability at the point, but point to his turnovers and decision making as areas to improve.

For more on Tyshawn Taylor and the 2012 NBA Draft, check out Rock Chalk Talk, Blazer's Edge and SB Nation's NBA page.

2012 NBA Draft: Thomas Robinson Taken By The Kings With The No. 5 Pick

Kansas forward Thomas Robinson was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 5 pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft on Thursday night.

The 6-foot-9, 245 lb. Jayhawk is considered a prototypical NBA power forward with size and speed, as well as raw strength. Scouts have lauded Robinson's work ethic and willingness to learn, but noted he needs development with his back to the basket, and his post defense.

It was thought that some teams might trade up for Robinson, but it appears he will join DeMarcus Cousins to form an elite rebounding unit.

For more on Thomas Robinson and the 2012 NBA Draft, check out Rock Chalk Talk, Sactown Royalty and SB Nation's NBA page.

NBA Trade Rumors: James Harden To Bobcats Dead Deal For Oklahoma City Thunder

The 2012 NBA Draft is upon us, which means that NBA newswires are ripe with plenty of rumors, smokescreens and half-truths. It's difficult to know what is real and what isn't, but there's an interesting amount of smoke coming from the Oklahoma City Thunder front office when it comes to James Harden and a potential trade to the Charlotte Bobcats to secure Bradley Beal.

In recent days, the Thunder have been linked to Beal and the Bobcats have been shopping that No. 2 overall selection for some time. However the match-up might not be there if Alex Kennedy is right.

Oklahoma City likes Bradley Beal but Charlotte wants James Harden for the #2. It doesn't sound like OKC is willing to part ways with Harden.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 28, 2012

Harden has an incredible ceiling and would be a great star for the Bobcats to take if they want a proven NBA vet. He'd also come with NBA Finals experience, but the Thunder would be losing such an asset. The team is built to win as is and there's no need to change that unless ownership has told them to cut costs for the long-term. If that happens, realize that Sam Presti is likely working under an order from the top down and simply trying to do the best he can do to stay among the elite teams in the NBA.

2012 NBA Draft: TV Schedule, Live Stream And More

The NBA Draft is finally here and it's only a matter of hours until Anthony Davis dons a New Orleans Hornet cap, Thomas Robinson figures out where he will go and the Oklahoma City Thunder add another promising player to an already loaded team. Many questions remain about nearly every team in the league, which makes tonight's draft worth watching for anyone who's a basketball fan.

The Thunder will have to wait to pick until No. 28 overall, but the current rumor is that they might move up in the draft to take Bradley Beal. Here's a look at the info you'll need to catch tonight's draft.

Date/time: Thursday June 28, 6:00 p.m. CT

Location: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

Television: ESPN

Streaming: ESPN3

2012 NBA Draft Order: Hornets, Bobcats Lead The First Round, Thunder Select No. 28

The 2012 NBA Draft is finally upon us and the Oklahoma City Thunder are going to have to wait for some time if they are willing to rest on their laurels and take the draft as it comes to them. Then again, anything can happen for Sam Presti in the draft so don’t be surprised if the team makes a move at one point either up or down in the draft order.

They currently hold the No. 28 choice in the draft, so many players will come off the board between now and then. However, the team is already loaded and whoever they add will have to be okay with a few minutes as part of a deep rotation on a loaded roster.

Here’s the order for the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft:
1. New Orleans Hornets
2. Charlotte Bobcats
3. Washington Wizards
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Sacramento Kings
6. Portland Trail Blazers
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Toronto Raptors
9. Detroit Pistons
10. New Orleans Hornets
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Houston Rockets
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. Philadelphia 76ers
16. Houston Rockets
17. Dallas Mavericks
18. Houston Rockets
19. Orlando Magic
20. Denver Nuggets
21. Boston Celtics
22. Boston Celtics
23. Atlanta Hawks
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
25. Memphis Grizzlies
26. Indiana Pacers
27. Miami Heat
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
29. Chicago Bulls
30. Golden State Warriors

NBA Draft: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Results, Grades And More

The 2012 NBA Draft gets underway on Thursday night with teams looking to improver their roster for the future. The Oklahoma City Thunder have only one pick in the draft and that comes late in the first round at No. 28 overall. Finding a player there who can contribute will be difficult.

With the Thunder making it all the way to the NBA Finals they are looking good for the future, but they still need to find players through the draft to help them contribute sooner rather than later.

Date/time: Thursday June 28, 6:00 p.m. CT

Location: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

Television: ESPN

Streaming: ESPN3

First round draft order:

1. New Orleans Hornets
2. Charlotte Bobcats
3. Washington Wizards
4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Sacramento Kings
6. Portland Trail Blazers
7. Golden State Warriors
8. Toronto Raptors
9. Detroit Pistons
10. New Orleans Hornets
11. Portland Trail Blazers
12. Houston Rockets
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. Philadelphia 76ers
16. Houston Rockets
17. Dallas Mavericks
18. Houston Rockets
19. Orlando Magic
20. Denver Nuggets
21. Boston Celtics
22. Boston Celtics
23. Atlanta Hawks
24. Cleveland Cavaliers
25. Memphis Grizzlies
26. Indiana Pacers
27. Miami Heat
28. Oklahoma City Thunder
29. Chicago Bulls
30. Golden State Warriors

NBA Draft Trade Rumors: Oklahoma City Thunder Covet Bradley Beal

Though a trade isn't likely, you can add Oklahoma City to the list of teams interested in trading up in the 2012 NBA Draft in order to select Bradley Beal, who is leaving the University of Florida after just one year.

Per Andy Katz, Sam Presti, Oklahoma City's general manager, told Beal that the Thunder were going to try to get a deal done.

Beal told ESPN.com Wednesday that Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti told him during an interview in Chicago that he was interested in trying to move up to draft him. The Thunder's first-round pick isn't until No. 28.

"He told me he was going to decide what they're going to do and considered getting up there," Beal said.

Beal said Denver, which picks at No. 20, also made a similar statement.

It'll be quite difficult for the Thunder to move up in the draft, especially since Oklahoma City's first pick isn't until late in the first round. Katz speculated that the Thunder would have to move James Harden to Charlotte in order to facilitate a trade.

For more on the Oklahoma City Thunder, be sure to head over to Welcome to Loud City and join the discussion.

2012 NBA Mock Draft: Oklahoma City Thunder Could Replace James Harden With Evan Fournier, Per Chad Ford

Chad Ford’s latest mock draft is out at ESPN, just three days before the 2012 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, and the Oklahoma City Thunder can now fully concentrate on roster development and additions after losing the NBA Finals to the Miami Heat. In his latest mock, the Thunder add some international flavor with the addition of France’s Evan Fournier.

Ford writes, "Fournier is the type of player that the Thunder can easily stash for a year or two in Europe. Or, given the high level he has played at in France, he might be able to come in and get minutes for them right away — especially if the Thunder decide they can’t afford to re-sign James Harden this summer."

That last line is a bit of an overstatement to expect a European import to immediately contribute at the level of the third star on an NBA Finals roster. The Thunder might be able to supplement some of his scoring and presence in the backcourt, but to count on an unknown international player to replace a player who was pivotal so many times for the Thunder is a definite stretch.

If the Thunder are to replace Harden, his replacement will also likely come from any trade return and potentially Fournier as a supplement.

NBA Mock Draft 2012: Oklahoma City Thunder Take Evan Fournier In Chad Ford's Latest

In his latest mock draft, Chad Ford has the Oklahoma City Thunder looking toward international territory in the 2012 NBA Draft for their first round choice at No. 28. Instead of selections from past mocks like Jeff Taylor of Vanderbilt or Draymond Green of Michigan State, Ford has the Thunder taking Evan Fournier.

Ford writes, “Fournier is the type of player that the Thunder can easily stash for a year or two in Europe. Or, given the high level he has played at in France, he might be able to come in and get minutes for them right away — especially if the Thunder decide they can’t afford to re-sign James Harden this summer.”

While the NBA Draft is typically loaded with international players, many NBA analysts are speculating that not a single foreign player could go in the first round this year. It’s a loaded college crop coming into the league plus a soft international market as well. That makes the timing right for a player like Fournier to stand out in a limited market.

The Thunder are also among the teams reportedly considering trading their choice. Thus any speculation at this point is really just for the sake of conversation.

2012 NBA Mock Draft: Oklahoma City Thunder Linked To Quincy Miller Of Baylor

In the most recent NBA mock draft at HOOPSWORLD, the Oklahoma City Thunder are linked to Quincy Miller of the Baylor Bears.

Miller said in this video that he sees himself as a top 20 pick, but going to the Thunder would make him the 28th overall selection in the draft. Still, if the pick were to actually happen it would benefit the Thunder and Miller alike, since OKC is going to have to make a decision on whether to pay Serge Ibaka or James Harden the type of Monday they'll command in 2014.

If Miller at 6'10" can provide a resemblance of the defensive presence Ibaka brings, then keeping Harden (a more unique player) would be a much easier decision for Sam Presti and the Thunder brass.

Read more about the Oklahoma City Thunder and their draft prospects at Welcome To Loud City and SB Nation Kansas City. Be sure to check out our NBA hub page for additional news and analysis around the league.

2012 NBA Mock Draft: Oklahoma City Thunder Linked To Draymond Green From Michigan State

The latest mock is out for the 2012 NBA Mock Draft from Yahoo! Sports' Jonathan Givony, and the Oklahoma City Thunder will have to wait for some time until a lot of talent goes off the board before they can add to their already talented roster. The good news is that Givony still has a nice talent awaiting them at No. 28 overall in the first round with Draymond Green from Michigan State.

Green is a strong power forward at 6-7, 236 and is the Michigan State career leader in rebounds. He averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds his senior year and comes with great experience, character and leadership.

Givony writes, "The Thunder have one of the most stacked rosters in the NBA, which should allow them to take the best talent available. Green has more wins under his belt than any other player in this draft - as well as the type of character the Thunder covet. He could provide some of the mismatch potential OKC lost at the power forward spot with Jeff Green, even if the Thunder look toward someone like Andrey Vorontsevich in free agency to fill that role."

The Thunder won't add an instant starter, but gaining a strong asset off of the bench who can fit right into the team culture that Sam Presti has created in OKC will make him an instant hit.

NBA Draft 2012: Brooklyn Nets Hoping To Trade Into First Round, OKC Thunder Potential Partner

The Brooklyn Nets are the new slick property when it comes to NBA branding with the move to Brooklyn from New Jersey, the team's ownership with Jay-Z in tow and the new logo and look. But the roster needs a makeover to a much greater degree and it seems the Nets are trying to do just that with the 2012 NBA Draft right around the corner.

The Brooklyn Nets are trying to acquire a first-round pick, according to league sources.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 17, 2012

Sports Illustrated notes that the Oklahoma City Thunder are one possible trade partner with the Nets if the price was right. The team has the No. 28 choice in the draft and could try to move out of that spot if the rumors are correct. The report also brings up the Charlotte Bobcats at No. 2 as a possibility, but that's such a high choice that it's hard to see what Brooklyn could offer to move up without a first to swap as well.

The Thunder could definitely stand to part with the pick if it earns them a first rounder in the future or other such assets. The team is well-constructed for the next year or so and if Sam Presti thinks there's better value in the future, then he'd be wise to take that ticket.

NBA Mock Draft 2012: Jeff Taylor To Oklahoma City Thunder In Chad Ford's Latest

The Oklahoma City Thunder have very few weaknesses, as exhibited by their current one game lead in the NBA Finals. They’re already among the very best in basketball and perhaps they will stand above all in the end. But every team ages, gains and loses players in the course of an offseason, so the Thunder will have the chance to go shopping like everyone else in the 2012 NBA Draft.

ESPN’s Chad Ford has the team taking Vanderbilt’s Jeff Taylor in the first round of his latest mock draft, and the pick would add a valuable rotation player.

Ford writes, “An elite athlete, Taylor can be a lockdown defender and has range on his jumper. He’s probably undervalued at this point, but that happens to seniors. The Thunder will capitalize.”

The Thunder own the No. 28 pick in the first round, but it wouldn’t surprise to see the team move around in the draft if the front office likes a particular player. It’s also surprising that Ford doesn’t have the team going international, since the lower first round is a great spot to grab a future European asset like the San Antonio Spurs have done for years.

2012 NBA Mock Draft: Oklahoma City Linked With St. Bonaventure's Andrew Nicholson

There aren't many holes in the roster of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are now one win away from the first NBA Finals appearance in the franchise's short history in Oklahoma.

One of the few areas of need is the front-court, where their primarily defensive-oriented players aren't very comfortable with the ball in their hands.

That's why CBS Sports' Jeff Goodman has the Thunder taking St. Bonaventure PF Andrew Nicholson with the No. 27 pick in the first round in his latest mock draft:

28. Oklahoma City Thunder
	Andrew Nicholson, PF, St. Bonaventure: The Thunder could use a skilled guy who can score on the block. Nicholson can actually score from anywhere on the court. The Canadian just needs to get stronger

Nicholson, a 6'9 240 forward who played in the mid-major Atlantic 10 conference, is primarily a jump-shooter who could be an excellent pick-and-pop weapon in the Thunder's front-court. He averaged 18.5 points and 8.5 rebounds a game on 57% shooting for St. Bonaventure.

Most of the questions surrounding his ability to transition to the next level are on the defensive side of the ball, as Nicholson isn't particularly fleet of foot or strong. However, his jump-shooting ability out to 20 feet should translate immediately, especially on an Oklahoma City team where he would rarely be asked to create his own shot.

For more coverage of the Thunder and the NBA draft, check out SB Nation Kansas City as well as Welcome To Loud City.

2012 NBA Mock Draft: Oklahoma City Thunder Take Vanderbilt's Jeff Taylor

Year after year, the Oklahoma City Thunder find a way to turn every draft choice into a strong asset for the roster. Whether they're picking in the top of the lottery and adding a player like Kevin Durant or James Harden, choosing a little later and grabbing Russell Westbrook or sitting near the bottom of the first and landing Serge Ibaka, Sam Presti's reputation as the team's general manager is pretty much flawless. They'll hope to do the same this year in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Chad Ford has the team taking Vanderbilt's Jeff Taylor in his latest mock draft for ESPN, and Ford says he'll round out the roster nicely as a strong defensive addition. Ford writes, "An elite athlete, Taylor can be a lockdown defender and has range on his jumper. He's probably undervalued at this point, but that happens to seniors. The Thunder will capitalize."

Taylor is a 6-7, 225 lb. senior who averaged 16.1 points per game last year for the Commodores. He also shot 42 percent from three-point range.

For more coverage of the Thunder and the NBA draft, check out SB Nation Kansas Cityas well as Welcome To Loud City.

NBA Mock Draft: Royce White To Oklahoma City Thunder

In many cases, the rich only get richer. The NBA Draft, as with other sports, is set up to reward the worst teams to help even out the competition year to year. However in Jonathan Givony's latest mock draft from Yahoo! Sports, the Oklahoma City Thunder should be quite pleased with their draft haul in the first round: Baylor forward Royce White.

White averaged 13.1 points and 9.2 rebounds a game to go with over 5 assists for the Baylor Bears. At 6-8, 270 lbs, he's a beast inside. It's the sort of experienced college body who could immediately help the Thunder inside, especially with Kendrick Perkins' recent injury troubles.

Givony writes, "The Thunder have one of the most stacked rosters in the NBA right now, which should allow them to take a clear view of this draft and pick the best talent available. Royce White is easily one of the most talented players around, having fallen here because of the depth of this draft at his position and off-court concerns that could hamper his transition to the NBA. The Thunder can afford to roll the dice here, and he could even provide some of the mismatch potential they lost at the 4-spot with Jeff Green down the road."

The Thunder are down two games to zero in the Western Conference semi-finals at this point. The NBA Draft is likely the last thing on their mind for now.

For more coverage of the Thunder and the NBA draft, check out SB Nation Kansas City as well as Welcome To Loud City.