The Oklahoma City Thunder are in possession of a first-round draft pick that will be conveyed by the LA Clippers. It's long been viewed as a valuable asset, but as the Clippers continue to struggle in 2025-26, the Thunder suddenly have a realistic shot at the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft.
With the opportunity to select one of the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft within reach, the Thunder could add one of the three headlining stars in a class that's flush with star potential.
Oklahoma City is already playing through the 2025-26 season as the defending NBA champions. It's also in pursuit of a record-setting 74-win season. Despite being the most dominant team in the Association, the Thunder could still add a potential superstar on draft night.
That's always a possibility, of course, but Sam Presti's relentless acquisition of first-round draft choices could ultimately yield a lottery pick with high odds of being No. 1 overall. If that possibility comes to fruition, the options will begin in Durham, North Carolina.
1\. Cameron Boozer, Power Forward, Duke Blue Devils
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[Christopher Kline of FanSided.com](https://fansided.com/nba/2026-nba-draft-big-board-updated-rankings-for-the-top-60-prospects) recently ranked Duke Blue Devils power forward Cameron Boozer as the No. 1 player in the 2026 NBA Draft. It's a fair claim, as Boozer has dominated the Division I landscape in every phase of the game.
In the event that the Thunder land Boozer, they could potentially build the interior of the future by slotting him in at the 4 and moving Chet Holmgren over to center.
Boozer, an 18-year-old freshman, is currently averaging 23.0 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 offensive boards, 3.8 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.0 block, and 1.6 three-point field goals made per game. In addition to stuffing the stat sheet, he's shooting with elite efficiency at a clip of .559/.372/.771.
A profoundly skilled forward who can create in space with his handle or give a clinic on footwork in a phone booth, Boozer seems to have it all.
Some have questioned his athleticism, but he's more of a modern 4 than a small forward at this stage of his development. He's more than athletic enough to thrive in that regard, with a strong frame offering even more reason for intrigue.
With Boozer's power and skill at power forward, and Holmgren's [length and unicorn status](https://thunderousintentions.com/okc-thunder-chet-holmgren-championship-maturity-grayson-allen) at center, the Thunder could dominate the interior for years to come.
2\. AJ Dybantsa, Wing, BYU Cougars
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When the word, "Upside," is utilized in conversations, AJ Dybantsa is typically the first name that comes to mind in NBA Draft circles. The BYU Cougars star looks the part of a dominant scorer at the next level, with some even comparing him to seven-time All-NBA honoree and two-time scoring champion Tracy McGrady.
Whether or not those comparisons are valid, the Thunder have a realistic opportunity to create an unrivaled wing duo with Dybantsa and Jalen Williams.
The fit here may not be quite as natural, as either Dybantsa or Williams would need to play out of their natural position to make this work. If the Thunder believe there's a solution to that potential issue, however, they'd be gambling on a special level of talent.
Dybantsa is proving as much with averages of 20.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 0.9 three-point field goals made per game on .542/.364/.789 shooting.
Beyond the numbers, Dybantsa seems to excel at all three levels. He has an intriguing combination of size, athleticism, and skill that allow him to beat defenders off the bounce, score in traffic, and convert from almost any angle on the court.
A common projected choice to go No. 1 overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, Dybantsa would give Oklahoma City an embarrassment of riches along the perimeter.
3\. Darryn Peterson, Shooting Guard, Kansas Jayhawks
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This writer's favorite choice for the Thunder is Kansas Jayhawks shooting guard Darryn Peterson. A 6'5" shooting guard with a strong 205-pound frame and a level of polish that far exceeds his freshman status, Peterson has the tools to be a perfect star-caliber fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams.
Peterson's sample size of games played has been limited by an early hamstring injury, but every time he's been on the court, he's scored at will and played lockdown defense.
Peterson is built like an NBA starter and he utilizes his frame to great effect on both ends of the floor. The No. 1 recruit in the country, he finishes in traffic by keeping a tight grip on the ball and enduring contact without losing his angle—all the while possessing the skill to adapt when need be.
Peterson is also a fearless three-point shooter who's proving to have NBA-caliber range and the ability to convert both off the bounce and in catch-and-shoot situations.
The most terrifying element of Peterson's fit with the Thunder is that there wouldn't be any rush for him to realize his star potential. At his position alone, Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort are elite defenders, Ajay Mitchell is at least a high-level sixth man, and both Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins are reliable bench options.
The NBA would be terrified by any of these players ending up in Oklahoma City, but Peterson would give the Thunder the most unstoppable perimeter the Association could imagine.