For weeks — basically since the Oklahoma City Thunder were assured of pick No. 6 — the organization has been linked to Florida State forward Scottie Barnes. Athletic, lengthy with a 6-foot-8 height and nearly 7-foot-3 wingspan, and an ability to defend and pass, he’s a Sam Presti-type prospect.
But he may not be around for the Thunder to take. Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman wrote that not only do the Magic have interest in the forward, there’s a good possibility Orlando snaps him up with pick No. 5.
And that’s if Barnes is even on the board. The Toronto Raptors may have interest as well with the No. 4 pick.
“Sources tell Bleacher Report the Orlando Magic are a good possibility for Barnes at No. 5, and if not, the Oklahoma City Thunder would take him at No. 6. Rivals teams are assuming the Toronto Raptors will consider him at No. 4, especially if they have interest in bringing back Kyle Lowry (making Jalen Suggs less desirable).”
If that were the case, either forward Jonathan Kuminga or guard Jalen Suggs would be available for the Thunder to take.
Kuminga has been linked to OKC in more mock drafts recently, including one Friday from The Athletic.
Toronto would consider Barnes if they wanted to bring back point guard Kyle Lowry, Wasserman wrote.
“Logic suggests Suggs will go fourth to the Raptors with 35-year-old Lowry entering free agency and Toronto coming off a 27-win season. But it also sounds like Barnes has become a hot enough name for the Raptors to think about. Otherwise, he’s the new favorite at No. 5, either to Orlando or a team looking to trade up for someone rare and more exciting.”
The Thunder may be in for a more interesting ride with pick No. 6 than previously expected. And with Presti at the helm, we can’t yet rule out a trade either.