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.