Episode 384: KICKING OFF NBA DRAFT COVERAGE WITH BRYCE SIMON
The Oklahoma City Thunder, coming off a hard-fought Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals, are at a pivotal offseason crossroads. In this episode, hosts Cohn and guest Bryce Simon argue that despite the emotional toll of the loss, the Thunder are in a remarkably strong position—financially, roster-wise, and strategically. They reject the notion that Chet Holmgren must be traded after a poor series against Victor Wembanyama, emphasizing that the matchup was uniquely brutal and that Holmgren’s offensive struggles were more about hesitation than inability. Instead, they advocate for building around him by improving floor spacing and decision-making, especially through targeted draft picks. The conversation pivots to the draft, where Simon identifies Cam Boozer as the ideal fit—skilled, intelligent, and a natural fit for Sam Presti’s philosophy—though he acknowledges the difficulty of trading up for him. He also champions Yaxel Lindborg and Keaton Wagler as realistic, high-impact picks at 12, and highlights undersized but elite shooters like Richie Saunders and Cam Carr as valuable second-round targets. The episode concludes with a bold prediction: a draft class centered on floor-spacing wings and defensive versatility, not just raw athleticism, to complement the Thunder’s existing core. The key takeaway is that the Thunder don’t need a seismic rebuild—just smart, incremental upgrades.
Chet Holmgren should not be traded after the Spurs series—his struggles were due to hesitation, not lack of skill, and he remains the ideal floor-spacing big for the Thunder.
The Thunder should prioritize drafting skilled, high-IQ players like Cam Boozer and Yaxel Lindborg over raw athleticism, especially given their system’s emphasis on decision-making.
Keaton Wagler is the most Oklahoma City Thunder-type player in the draft—high basketball IQ, feel, and skill, even if he lacks explosive athleticism.
The Thunder’s real need isn’t more guards—it’s more size, versatility, and defensive IQ, especially to counter elite rim protectors like Victor Wembanyama.
Richie Saunders, despite his age and injury history, is a high-upside second-round target who can be redshirted and developed into a high-level shooter.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening the Draft Season with Thunder Energy
The episode kicks off with a high-energy intro, setting the tone for a deep dive into the Thunder’s offseason and draft strategy. Host Cohn welcomes guest Bryce Simon, a Pistons fan and podcast co-host, to discuss the team’s post-elimination mindset and the immediate focus on the NBA draft.
Pistons' Offseason: Data Collection vs. Big Moves
Simon reflects on the Detroit Pistons’ 60-win season and their near-miss in the Eastern Conference Finals. He argues that while the team didn’t reach the ultimate goal, their season was a success in terms of data collection and development, and they should avoid drastic moves—just make smart, incremental upgrades.
Thunder’s Reality: Injuries, Cap, and the Chet Holmgren Debate
The conversation shifts to the Thunder’s situation, with Simon emphasizing that despite losing in Game 7, the team is in a strong financial and roster position. He addresses the pressure to trade Chet Holmgren, arguing that the matchup with Wembanyama was uniquely difficult and that Chet’s issues were mental, not physical.
The Chet Problem: Is It Him or the Matchup?
Simon and Cohn dissect Chet Holmgren’s performance against the Spurs, concluding that the issue wasn’t Chet’s ability but the mismatch with Wembanyama. They argue that Chet should be given another chance, especially since he showed flashes of brilliance in Game 5 and Game 7.
Building Around Chet: The Floor Spacing Imperative
The hosts stress that the Thunder’s biggest need isn’t a new star—it’s better spacing. They argue that Chet, if he improves his three-point shot and release, can be the key to pulling Wembanyama away from the rim, making the entire offense more dangerous.
“Yaxle, Cam Carr, Richie Saunders. And so you get Yaxle at 12 and then you just add these floor spacing wings in Cameron Carr and Richie Saunders. I think that'd be... I think the counter here from Thunder fans would be not enough creation ball handling. Like, I just think whenever the Thunder are healthy, you're between Shea... AJ and J -Dub. I think that's going to be okay, especially if you put these type of guys around them.”
“So I don't think you trade the archetype of player that theoretically can pull Victor Wimbenyama away from the rim. What are you bringing in? How many other bigs are doing that, right?”
“I am not team trade Chet Holmgren though. Like, I know that that's a big part. Like, I think he's going to figure it out, Cone. I don't know where the Thunder fan base is, but... I'm keeping him around.”
Hosts
Guest
Oklahoma City Thunder
other
San Antonio Spurs
other
Chet Holmgren
person
Victor Wembanyama
person
Bryce Simon
person
Cam Boozer
person
Cohn
person
Keaton Wagler
person
Sam Presti
person
Yaxel Lindborg
person
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