"Many Thunder fans are probably still recovering from a post-playoff hangover. But the NBA Draft is now just three weeks away, and if we've learned anything about the Thunder on draft night it's that it is a team liable to do anything. No one knows whether the Thunder will select a player, trade up, trade down or trade out. Add to that, fewer fans seem to be paying attention this year. A deep playoff run and first-round positioning that inspires widespread yawning have taken away from the intrigue of the Thunder's draft. Perhaps there is a growing awareness that whatever prospect the Thunder plucks won't make an immediate impact. Heck, he might not even make the team. That's what having a stable of young talent in place and possession of the 24th overall pick gets you. But draft guru Chad Ford of ESPN.com held a chat today and wrote something very interesting. (Worth noting, though, that the words 'Oklahoma City' and 'Thunder' weren't written anywhere in his hour long chat? Further proof that the Thunder is on the back-burner in this year's draft.) Ford broke down the depth of this year's class, and indirectly said the Thunder is in prime position to get a quality player. When asked about the draft seemingly being weak at the top but deep toward the end of the first round, Ford responded with this: " For sure. I think people misunderstand the criticism of the draft. The top two picks are really good … but they aren't superstar caliber. The next 10 players in the draft are typically the sorts of players you get in the late lottery to mid first round. But after that, the draft is really loaded into the mid to late 30s. If I'm drafting anywhere between 15-35, I'm happy with the draft."" Read more: http://blog.newsok.com/thunderrumbl...et-the-thunder/?custom_click=lead_story_title
