NBA Draft 2012: 5 Rookies Who Would Mesh Well with the Thunder Next Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the second half of the NBA season as the favorites to emerge from the West and represent the conference in the NBA Finals.

Those kind of expectations haven't phased them yet, and there is no reason to believe Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook won't bring their A-games when playoff time rolls around.

Looking ahead to next season, the Thunder will likely only have a late first-round pick to play with since they sent their 2012 second-rounder to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Lazar Hayward.

While expiring contracts Nazr Mohammed and Royal Ivey are set to come off the books, the return of Eric Maynor from his 2012 season-ending injury doesn't leave much room for a rookie to come in and make an immediate impact.

That being said, here are five guys the Oklahoma City could target in the 2012 NBA draft.

SF Kris Joseph, Syracuse

Joseph is a four-year participant at Syracuse University, where his numbers and production have increased every season. He's an integral part of the No. 2  team in the nation, and at 6'7", he has the size and skill set to thrive in the NBA.

While he hasn't dominated in a very team-oriented Syracuse offense, he wouldn't have to contribute very much to be a valuable member of the Thunder. Durant and Westbrook handle the majority of the scoring anyways, and a second unit that included James Harden doesn't lack scoring, either.

Aside from that, there is no doubt Durant needs to be on the court for a majority of the game. But finding someone to give him rest in key moments could also benefit his career in the long run.

Joseph's draft stock puts him in a position for the Thunder to act around their late first-round selection slot, so we'll see if they grade him as a good fit.

SF/PF Kevin Jones, West Virginia

Kevin Jones is the kind of 3/4 hybrid player that could spell both Durant and Serge Ibaka. His work ethic and skill set have made him one of the best players at West Virginia and the entire Big East over his four-year career, including a scoring and rebounding title this season.

Jones has the length and athleticism to fit right in with the Thunder. While he'd be a little undersized when inserted at power forward, he could thrive in a small lineup with Ibaka at center.

The 22-year-old Mountaineer would also provide the right attitude and come to practice ready to compete every day. Bob Huggins has his kids ready to play every night no matter what the circumstance, and Jones' intensity level would make him an instant OKC favorite.

SG Doron Lamb, Kentucky

Lamb is a knock-down shooter for John Calipari's Kentucky Wildcats, shooting over 48 percent in his two seasons in college. The Queens, NY native is one of the reasons why Kentucky will likely take one of the No. 1 seeds heading into the NCAA tournament.

With the uncertainty of James Harden staying after his contract expires and Daequan Cook also a free agent in 2013, Lamb could fill one of those roles in the near future.

Now, he doesn't have the playmaking ability of Harden, but the ability to shoot the three in college usually transfers to the NBA. By comparison, Cook only hit 41 percent of his threes at Ohio State. While there is no telling how Lamb's shot will transfer to the NBA, his percentage is a good start.

Stretching the floor for Durant and Westbrook to penetrate and kick to shooters will be a part of the Thunder offense for the next few seasons. Lamb could help that offensive strategy.

PF/C Arnett Moultrie, Mississippi State

Since Nazr Mohammed's return to the team is in question heading into this offseason, the Thunder will likely have to address the position through the draft or free agency. With Kendrick Perkins already in place and the jury still out on Cole Aldrich, they could stand to add another big man.

Enter Moultrie, the former UTEP standout who is putting up big numbers in his first season with the Bulldogs. Averaging over 16 points and 10 rebounds, he's solidifying his stock as a first-round pick. Although he's listed as a PF, his 6'11" frame and long arms could allow him to slide over and play center in spots.

It's unclear where he will go in the draft, but if I was a betting man I'd say he's right in the neighborhood of where the Thunder select. If they had to trade up I'm not sure he'd be worth the cost, but quality big men are usually worth the price.

PF Quincy Acy, Baylor

The high-flying big man from Baylor is the perfect example of a guy who increased his draft stock by staying in college for four years. Scouts would be scared away from a 6'6" power forward on paper.

But the athleticism, shot-blocking and acrobatic dunking ability he brings to the table was noticed over his past four years playing alongside other NBA talent in Waco.

Since the Thunder don't have a second-round pick, they could send out a player like Aldrich or Ryan Reid for another team's selection, since Acy is considered to be right in that range.

Undersized or not, Acy and Ibaka could wreak some serious havoc to opposing scorers, especially when they try and bring it in the paint. He could be just what the Thunder are looking for on draft night 2012.