The news that the LA Clippers have become the first team in NBA history to fall 15 games below .500, then climb back over it in the span of one season, went viral across various social media platforms. Though that’s remarkable, fans of the Clippers have another reason to be amped besides LA's legitimate shot at the postseason: the Oklahoma City Thunder’s pick (via LAC) currently stands outside the lottery.
In fact, according to Tankathon, it is currently listed at 15th overall. This could’ve played out better had the Clippers not begun 6-21, yet given all of the circumstances in what’s been a roller coaster of a season, the Thunder drafting outside of the top-14 is one of the most fortunate outcomes.
The Clippers would have been laughed at endlessly if they ended the year without a playoff run, having given the Thunder a golden opportunity in June, which is arguably the greatest class of prospects in the history of the sport.
The Thunder have a much tougher challenge than where the original trends were headed
In the middle of December, the Oklahoma City Thunder and their fanbase were as happy as can be. Every day was like paradise, as they were the first seed, and they would be picking for the LA Clippers, who had odds tied for the first pick. It was literally the best of both worlds, which most teams never get to experience.
They could have literally won the NBA Finals and chosen AJ Dybantsa, arguably the most highly regarded prospect, a few months apart, and who would’ve been at fault? None other than the Clippers.
However, because the Clippers turned their season around and look far from finished despite already claiming the eighth seed, the Thunder will most likely be tasked with evaluating each mid-first-round talent and differentiating between those who are ready and those who need development, something extremely challenging.
The Thunder are in a win-now state and have a megastar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; they will continue to build around him. So, they evidently want the player who can come in, win minutes in Mark Daigneault’s rotation, and handle business right from the jump.
This is much more bearable for LA fans. On top of that, the Clippers could be in the lottery themselves if the Indiana Pacers’ pick conveys, which, in a sense, would lead to a massive sigh of relief.