What's the Ceiling for Each OKC Thunder Prospect?

The Oklahoma City Thunder organization has become a championship contender by drafting and developing young talent into NBA stars.

Obviously, guys like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have already proven themselves to be superstars for OKC, but what about the many other young players the Thunder have waiting in the wings?

How far can guys like DeAndre Liggins and Perry Jones III go in the Association?

Read on to find out what the ceiling is on all the young Thunder players.

DeAndre Liggins

On defense, DeAndre Liggins is a beast, one of the better perimeter defenders in the NBA.

His offensive production, on the other hand, is more than a little lacking.

Think of Liggins as a younger version of Thabo Sefolosha. He's an athletic defender, who has a high basketball IQ.

It's possible that Liggins could see himself in a starting position if he's in a situation similar to Sefolosha's with the Thunder; however, expect to see him as a solid defensive contributor off the bench. 

Ceiling: Role Player

Daniel Orton

Outside of being a legitimate big body at 6'10" and 255 lbs., Daniel Orton doesn't currently have too much to provide the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Orton could turn his career around and become a solid low-post presence on both sides of the ball, but he'll have to work hard to get there.

He could prove us all wrong, but for now, it's unlikely that Orton becomes more than the guy who waves his towel at the end of the bench. 

Ceiling: Bench Filler

Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson's play has been somewhat up-and-down for the Oklahoma City Thunder since they traded point guard Eric Maynor away.

However, the positives outweigh the negatives, as Jackson's stats have improved across the board.

Part of that is a slight increase in minutes, but it has more to do with Jackson's continued growth as an NBA player.

We're already seeing glimpses of talent that are worthy of a starting spot; it's just a matter of the young point guard putting it together on a more consistent basis.

Ceiling: Starter

Hasheem Thabeet

Hasheem Thabeet may never live up to his high draft status, but the league's tallest player has become a solid contributor for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Unfortunately, that's probably his ceiling unless some serious improvement is seen in his offensive game.

That said, Thabeet has the potential to be a defensive presence in the post.

It's possible Thabeet could fall into a perfect situation like Kendrick Perkins and earn himself a starting job; however, it's going to take a very particular team makeup for Thabeast to become a starting center.

Ceiling: Role Player

Perry Jones III

Out of all the young Oklahoma City Thunder players, Perry Jones III may have the highest ceiling of them all.

However, there are some injury concerns, which is the biggest reason he fell all the way down to the Thunder in the 2012 NBA draft.

That said, his skill set is unlike virtually any we've ever seen in this league, and his athleticism is so far off the charts it's ridiculous.

If PJ3 can harness his ability and stay injury-free, there's no telling how far he can go.

Ceiling: Star

Jeremy Lamb

Perry Jones III might have the highest ceiling of the young Oklahoma City Thunder players, but Jeremy Lamb is the closest thing they have to a surefire NBA stud.

His offensive game is already spectacular, and he could easily take over for sixth man Kevin Martin tomorrow.

On defense, he's not quite there, but his length and athleticism should translate to a more than adequate perimeter defender.

It's not really a question of if with Jeremy Lamb, just a question of when.

Ceiling: Star