Thunder's No. 17 Pick: A Glimpse at Recent Selections

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, excitement builds across the league. With the New York Knicks basking in their recent championship victory, other teams are gearing up for their chance to enhance their rosters. The two-day draft is a pivotal moment for franchises looking to infuse fresh talent into their lineups.

The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in a favorable position, heading into the draft with three selections: the 12th pick from the LA Clippers, the 17th pick acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers, and the 37th pick from the Dallas Mavericks. After finishing just five wins short of consecutive championships, the Thunder are poised for a roster overhaul this offseason.

To better understand the potential of the 17th pick, let’s examine the performances of the last five players chosen at this position:

In 2025, the Timberwolves selected Joan Beringer, who averaged 3.9 points per game on an impressive 66.3% shooting, along with 2.3 rebounds across 40 games. The 2024 pick, Dalton Knecht from the Lakers, contributed 7.1 points on 46% shooting, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.7 assists in 132 games. Jalen Hood-Schifino, also from the Lakers, was the 2023 pick, managing an average of 3.9 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 36 games while shooting 32.9% from the field.

The 2022 selection, Tari Eason of the Rockets, found more success, posting 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists with a shooting percentage of 45.1% across 221 games. Finally, Trey Murphy III, selected by the Pelicans in 2021, has been the standout among recent 17th picks, averaging 15.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 317 games, shooting 45.9% overall.

With this insight into the past, the Thunder will be looking to make the most of their No. 17 pick and potentially add another impactful player to their roster.