The Oklahoma City Thunder have arguably been the best team in the draft during the Sam Presti era, having built a history of finding hidden gems and building their roster through repeated success in the lottery, late first round, and second round.
Now, Oklahoma City has two first-round picks in what is deemed to be a deep 2026 draft class and could once again come away with some hidden gems.
Here are three sleeper prospects the Thunder could take at No. 12 or 17.
Sleeper Prospects the Thunder Could Take In the First Round
Morez Johnson Jr., Michigan
Morez Johnson Jr. stock has been on the rise through the draft process, due to his elite physical measurements, physicality, and the intangibles he could provide in a complementary role. Playing next to Yaxel Lendeborg and Aday Mara in the frontcourt at Michigan. He highlighted his high motor, toughness, and the dirty work he did, averaging 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds on 62.3% from the floor.
At 6-foot-9 with an impressive 7-foot-3 wingspan, Johnson Jr. has the upside to be a forward-big, as he has the length, athleticism, lateral quickness, and switch-ability to defend on the perimeter, and defensive IQ to fit right into the Thunder’s defensive scheme.
If Johnson Jr. unlocks his perimeter shot, not only does he become more versatile and valuable, but he also becomes a perfect frontcourt option for the Thunder, bringing an element that OKC lacks.
Dailyn Swain, Texas
Dailyn Swain not only emerged as one of the best players in the SEC but as one of the best creators in the country. He was a role player in his first two seasons at Xavier before stepping into a more primary role at Texas.
Being a junior and having spent multiple years at the collegiate level, Swain doesn’t have the appeal of some true freshmen, but he has a sneaky high-level skill set and upside with his creation.
Standing at 6-foot-7, Swain can operate in a multitude of ways as an on-ball creator. He can create in isolation, run the pick-and-roll, and make plays for others: his ability to rebound and upside as a toolsy defender. One area of improvement is to be a consistent 3-point shooter and raise his volume to be a fully versatile player all around.
Swain feels like the kind of player the Thunder would and should take with one of their first-round picks.
Jayden Quiantance, Kentucky
Jayden Quaintance is the biggest mystery of the draft, plagued by injuries at Arizona State and Kentucky in his two seasons. He could slide in the draft due to long-term injury concerns.
Standing at 6-foot-10 with a massive 7-foot-5 wingspan, Quaintance possesses the physical tools and defensive versatility to thrive in the Thunder’s system. He is a forward-big hybrid with the fluidity and switch-ability to defend out on the perimeter with feel and athleticism. He would bring rim-protection, elite defensive instincts, interior scoring, and a valuable presence on the glass.
Even more, the Thunder are known for their patience, and since OKC has a deep, established roster, they have the luxury of taking their time integrating Quaintance. If he hits and develops, he’s the ideal modern-day starting-level big.
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