Examiner.com NBA Mock Draft: Thunder takes Hasheem Thabeet with third pick

    Thabeet needs to develop a patented move. (AP)

Four months later, the Oklahoma City Thunder finally got their 7-footer to man the middle. 

With the third pick in the Examiner.com NBA Mock Draft, the Thunder selected University of Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet. They are hopeful that Thabeet will be Tyson Chandler with training wheels. 

In February, the Thunder swung what seemed to be a terrific deal, sending forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox and the rights to DeVon Hardin to the cost-conscious New Orleans Hornets for the 7-1 Chandler, one of the top rebounders and shot-blockers in the NBA. 

The deal would have given the Thunder a starting lineup that included Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook - all no older than 22 - alongside Chandler, who is 26. 

However, the trade was rescinded by the Thunder after team physician Dr. Carlan Yates examined Chandler and found a potential long-term issue with his left big toe - not the sprained ankle that had Chandler sidelined at the time. 

Chandler averaged 8.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this season, missing 37 games. Those numbers will be approachable next season by Thabeet, who will have a 10-year career simply due to his 7-3, 267-pound frame - and could accomplish much more. 

Thabeet, 22, averaged 13.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.2 blocks, helping UConn reach the Final Four. He has been favorably compared to Dikembe Mutombo and has much better speed and athleticism than Mutombo did when he entered the NBA in 1992. 

Thabeet has excellent size, mobility and wingspan which will make him a very effective shot-blocker either on the ball or as a help defender. If he adds 20 pounds to his frame, he will become a top-notch rebounder and will be able to hold his defensive position more easily. 

In college, Thabeet scored on putbacks, tip-ins, follow dunks, lobs and an occasional short jumper or hook. He has a lot of work to do on offense as his footwork is poor and he does not possess a signature move or shot. However, his mere presence will allow Nenad Krstic to play at the high post, where he is more effective. 

Oklahoma City lost 29 of its first 32 games last season and finished 23-59. The Thunder was 23rd in defense, 27th in oppoonents' field-goal percentage,  22nd in blocks and had no player average more than 6.9 rebounds per game. 

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