NBA Draft 2011: Chandler Parsons and 5 Best Picks for the Oklahoma City Thunder

The reigning SEC Player of the Year makes the most sense for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Chandler Parsons (6’10’’, 220 pounds) is an athletic forward who has the ability to play multiple positions, giving teams a better inside presence. During last season, Parsons' play helped Florida to an SEC tournament championship and an Elite Eight finish.

If Parsons does get picked up by the Thunder, expect for an immediate increase in offensive production in the paint.

Parson’s had this to say to the Orlando Sentinel about his athleticism, “I think people underestimate how athletic I am. People are going to be really impressed with what they see in Chicago.”

Timberwolves writer Jonah Ballow had this to say about Parsons, “At the Chicago Combine, the Florida small forward measured just under 6'10" and tipped the scales at 220 pounds. He owns high basketball IQ, all-around skills, deep range on his jumper, and adheres to the team concept.”

Sounds like a winner to me.

This slideshow will present Chandler Parsons and the players who have a chance of being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder.  

Matt Howard, Butler

Matt Howard would be an excellent bench player pickup at the power forward position.

Howard, over the past two seasons, has led the scoring attack inside for the Butler Bulldogs en route to back to back national championship appearances. During his senior season, Howard average 16.4 points per game and 7.7 rebounds.

Those numbers are not bad for a post presence.

Though not having the ability to be a starter, Howard has the intangibles to be an important role player for the Thunder. If picked, look for him to come off the bench providing decent minutes.

Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA

Though Tyler Honeycutt is projected as a late first-round pick, the UCLA guard had a terrible workout with the New Jersey Nets. With his poor shooting, his stock has fallen quickly down the draft boards.

With his draft stock falling, he may be a steal for the Thunder at No. 24.

Kyle Singler, Duke

Singler would a be a solid choice for the Oklahoma City Thunder. If Singler is still available, he would be providing a spark off the bench, replacing Kevin Durant.

Under Singler’s leadership, he led Duke to the 2010 national championship averaging 16.9 points per game. Now after an early exit in the 2011 NCAA tournament, Singler has lost a lot of value in his talents in terms of lottery.

With a late first-round pick, Singler would be a good pickup at the forward position.

Nikola Mirotic, Serbia

There is a trend going amongst the NBA to draft foreign players and let them develop before playing in the NBA. It has worked for many teams, and it may work for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Nikola Mirotic (6’10’’, 210 pounds) is currently contributing to a Spanish team and has a large wing span for a 20-year-old. His addition to the roster would make sense only if he continues to grow, playing against international talent.

Once he has developed his skills, he would be a productive player manning the power forward position.

According to Yahoo Sports, Mirotic is a powerhouse with a soft touch on his shots. He has good balance and mobility and has a nice, wide wingspan. He can score from the outside and is big enough to power his way to the basket. He also handles the ball well and is a smart player.

Jordan Hamilton, Texas

With Russell Westbrook giving poor shooting performances in the playoffs, Jordan Hamilton would be a nice pick up to keep points consistently on the board. Averaging 18.6 points per game, his offensive numbers in Austin can't be ignored. 

Hamilton's shooting ability led the Longhorns to a thrilling third-round exit in the 2011 NCAA tournament, losing to fifth-seeded Arizona 70-69. Add in a 6'7" frame and weighing 220 pounds, his athleticism isn’t questioned much either.

Hamilton is a respectable shooting guard with the ability to create space for his own shots. Coming off the bench, Hamilton would be a nice compliment for the B team.