Three Controversial Prospects for the Thunder to Consider at No. 12 in 2026 NBA Draft

The 2026 NBA Draft is fast approaching, marking a significant milestone in the offseason for teams looking to rejuvenate their rosters. The Oklahoma City Thunder, poised to strengthen their squad, hold three valuable draft picks: No. 12 from the LA Clippers, No. 17 from the Philadelphia 76ers, and No. 37 from the Dallas Mavericks. As they prepare for this pivotal event, let's examine three intriguing yet divisive prospects who could be selected at the 12th position.

Nate Ament from Tennessee has emerged as a notable figure in this year's draft discussions. The 19-year-old forward, standing 6-foot-10 and weighing 207 pounds, recorded averages of 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists during his collegiate season. Despite these decent stats, Ament's shooting percentage of 39.9% and 33.3% from beyond the arc raise concerns about his scoring efficiency. Many analysts describe him as a 'project,' a label that may not resonate well with Thunder fans eager for immediate contributions as their team aims for a championship.

Another candidate, Bennett Stirtz from Iowa, has taken a more unconventional path to this point. After playing two years at the D-II level, he transitioned to Drake and then to Iowa, where he found success as a leading scorer. Stirtz averaged 19.8 points on 47.7% shooting and shot 35.8% from three-point range. However, at 22 years old and measuring 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, he might be considered older for a lottery pick. While his shooting skills are impressive, his lack of versatility on both ends of the court raises questions about his overall potential in the NBA.

Karim Lopez, who played in the NBL with the New Zealand Breakers, brings international experience to the table. The 19-year-old forward stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 222 pounds, averaging 11.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Competing against seasoned professionals has provided him with valuable exposure, but his 50.2% shooting and 32.6% from three indicate room for improvement. Although Lopez displayed promise last season by becoming a key player, his raw skill set and need for further development could make him a project pick as well.

As the Thunder look to enhance their lineup, these three prospects offer varying degrees of risk and reward. The team's decision at No. 12 could significantly impact its trajectory in the coming seasons.