Kevin Durant, SGA Fandom & NBA Relation Not Enough For 6’8 Draft Prospect to Earn Sam Presti’s Trust

With how the OKC Thunder performed this season, they might be only one piece away from becoming a Championship team. And they have a chance to find that missing piece later this month as the Thunder holds the 12 pick in the upcoming draft. Just two years ago, OKC used the same pick to draft Jalen Williams, who has turned into a superstar for them. And this year, his younger brother Cody could follow in Jalen’s footsteps, but GM Sam Presti doesn’t seem too intrigued by that idea, despite the 6’8 prospect’s fandom for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and whatnot.

In a recent interview, ahead of the draft, Cody revealed how his love for basketball began, “4 years old, in Arizona, looking up to my older brother.” Accompanying Jalen to the gym since he was a kid, Cody was impressed by his brother’s progression and developed a liking for basketball. Then, he listed out other players who inspire him, “I like SGA a lot just because of the way he uses his body.”

Calling SGA’s ability to get defenders off their feet an “art form”, Cody had high praise for OKC’s MVP contender. And being a skinny and slender player himself, Cody revealed that he also idolizes superstars with a similar build as him, “Growing up, I watched like Kevin Durant, Brandon Ingram.” Despite taking inspiration from so many great players, it seems unlikely that Presti will use his 12 pick to select Cody and team him up with his older brother. As per the latest mock draft by Bleacher Report, Presti is expected to pass up on Jalen’s brother and select French star, Tidjane Salaun, instead, who is an inch taller and a year younger. With decent shooting from beyond the arc and a build good enough to defend any position, Salaun could be exactly what OKC needs to get over the hump.

Sam Presti might not even get a chance to draft Cody Williams!

While it is unlikely that Presti will select Cody, there could be a scenario that he might not get that chance even if he wanted to. Averaging nearly 12 points and 3 rebounds for the Colorado Buffaloes last season, Cody has significantly upped his draft value and could even go as a lottery pick. Although BR’s mock draft predicts him to be selected number 13 by the Sacramento Kings, other teams before that could also be interested in recruiting a 6’8 Forward, who can be productive on both ends of the floor.

According to draft analyst Jeremy Woo, the rebuilding Portland Trail Blazers squad could benefit a lot from getting a player like Williams. And they have the 7 pick in this draft to make that move. “Although he didn’t have the freshman season many had hoped for, I’m still optimistic about Williams’ long-term upside as a plus-defender and potential auxiliary playmaker, and wouldn’t let him fall too far down the draft board working off that theory,” Woo said.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Givony predicts the Chicago Bulls will select Williams 11th right before OKC’s pick.

Whether Cody starts his career alongside his brother or not, he definitely has the potential to become one of the top young stars in the league very soon. So, should Sam Presti consider picking him up?

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.