With the 2019 NBA Draft less than a month away, mock draft season is officially upon us. One recent projection has the Thunder taking a player seemingly every fan wants: Kentucky guard Tyler Herro.
The 6-foot-6 freshman averaged 14.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 37 games last season for the Wildcats. What has most teams intrigued with his game, though, is he shot 35.5 percent from three-point range.
Herro has been touted as one of the best shooters in this year’s draft class. In addition to his shooting, he can create for himself and make plays for others, something the Thunder could use off of the bench.
While he attended the NBA Draft Combine last week, he did not participate in the on-court drills, including the 5-on-5 scrimmages. He measured 6-foot-6 in shoes with a 6-foot-3.25 wingspan.
The problem the Thunder may face, though, is that Herro may not be on the board by the time they select at No. 21. His projected range on draft night is anywhere from 17th to 23rd in most mocks.
The Thunder will likely want their draft pick to be able to step into the rotation and give the team solid minutes off of the bench. Herro appears to be a player that can fit that role. He would add some needed shooting to a group that desperately needs it.
Pairing Herro up next to the likes of Russell Westbrook, Paul George and others would be a huge upgrade to the roster for the Thunder. As a team that has little means to improve this summer, the help they need may very well be available in the draft.
As an underclassman, Herro has until May 29 to withdraw his name from draft consideration to maintain his collegiate eligibility but he has already indicated he will keep his name in the running.
Herro turned 19 years old in January.
