3 absolute steals the new Wizards GM Dawkins helped draft

3 best players the new Wizards GM Dawkins helped draft

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Jalen Williams pose for photos after Williams was drafted with the 12th overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Domantas Sabonis, no.11 pick, 2016 NBA Draft

Sabonis is technically not a Thunder pick, but he was acquired by trade on draft night. He was brought in with Victor Oladipo in exchange for Serge Ibaka from the Orlando Magic.

During Dawkins’ time with the team, the OKC Thunder was not hesitant to engage in draft day talks. Sam Presti is known to be one of the most active general managers, always looking for value in the margins. They are famously not scared to pull off big moves or trade away their players if they receive good offers for them.

And boy, were they right about Sabonis. The Lithuanian big man has blossomed into one of the most productive centers in the league. One of the best post players and best passers in his position, Sabonis already made three All-Star teams and has one All-NBA selection. Just like Adams, he is known to be a hard-working player and a great teammate around the league.

The most important aspect of this pick for the Thunder was how it opened the path for them to bring in a second superstar next to Russell Westbrook. Only a year after being drafted, Sabonis was traded to the Indiana Pacers along with Oladipo in exchange for Paul George. This sequence of moves is the perfect encapsulation of great management under Presti and Dawkins, which the Wizards would be lucky to have replicated in Washington.

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