The Oklahoma City Thunder are still chasing another NBA title, but that has not stopped projections from already focusing on how the defending champions could further strengthen one of the league’s deepest rosters through the 2026 NBA Draft.
Oklahoma City enters the Western Conference Finals against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs with an unbeaten 8-0 playoff record after sweeping both the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. ESPN’s Shams Charania also reported Sunday that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has won his second straight NBA MVP award after leading the Thunder to a 64-18 regular-season finish.
Even with a roster built around Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and one of the NBA’s deepest rotations, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report projected Oklahoma City to make two first-round selections in his latest 2026 mock draft. The Thunder were linked to Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg at No. 12 and Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance at No. 17.
Yaxel Lendeborg and Jayden Quaintance Projected to Join Oklahoma City Thunder
GettyJayden Quaintance #21 of the Kentucky Wildcats
Buckley projected the Thunder to select Lendeborg with the No. 12 overall pick acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers.
“The Thunder won’t have the easiest time finding roster spots (let alone rotation roles) for incoming rookies,” Buckley wrote. “But they might make an exception for Lendeborg.”
Buckley highlighted the forward’s versatility and physical tools as reasons why Oklahoma City could still prioritize adding more talent despite already having a championship-level roster.
“He’s a 6’9″ wing with a 7’4″ wingspan who can do everything on the basketball court,” Buckley wrote. “That sounds almost hyperbolic, but it also helps explain how his Wolverines won the national title — he’s a true difference-maker.”
The mock draft also connected Oklahoma City with Quaintance at No. 17 using the pick acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Buckley described Quaintance as a long-term frontcourt option who could eventually help offset potential roster decisions involving Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams.
“The Thunder have a team option on Isaiah Hartenstein next season and another on Jaylin Williams for the 2027-28 season,” Buckley wrote. “They’ll likely need frontcourt reinforcements in the near future.”
Buckley added that Quaintance “could be an absolute wrecking ball around—and above—the basket,” while noting the Kentucky product’s mobility and defensive upside.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leads Thunder Into Western Conference Finals
GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
While mock draft projections continue to generate attention, Oklahoma City remains focused on another deep playoff run.
The Thunder will face the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals after finishing with the NBA’s best regular-season record. The matchup also features two of the league’s premier stars in Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama.
According to ESPN, Gilgeous-Alexander became the first player since Nikola Jokic to win back-to-back MVP awards. The Canadian guard averaged 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds during the regular season.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact following Oklahoma City’s second-round series win over the Lakers.
“Remarkable poise and maturity by him,” Daigneault said. “I wanted to point that out because impact takes on different faces and his impact was all four games.”
The Thunder have relied heavily on their roster depth throughout the postseason, particularly with Jalen Williams missing significant time due to injury. Players such as Ajay Mitchell, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, and Lu Dort have all played key roles during the team’s unbeaten playoff run.
That depth is one reason Buckley noted Oklahoma City may struggle to create rotation opportunities for incoming rookies immediately. Still, the organization’s long-term approach continues to prioritize adding young talent through the draft even while competing for championships.
The Thunder and Spurs open the Western Conference Finals on Monday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Thunder Projected to Add Two More Picks in 2026 NBA Mock Draft Despite Deep Roster