There is something to be said...

...for holding onto the 3rd pick in this years draft.  Historically, the top 3 picks dont bust, and rarely end up as role players.  In terms of risk assessment, it makes sense that you take the remainder of Rubio/Thabeet.  But how about value?  Is there an deal out there that makes the Thunder a stronger team, faster?

There is speculation the Wizards could be shopping for Ricky Rubio, and would be willing to part with their #5 selection and Javale McGee to acquire him.  I want to offer an opinion on this deal, and open up discussion on how it would affect OKC.

The State of Center in OKC

The signing of Nenad Krstic was a savvy move.  Like most Eastern European centers, he offers an array of crafty low post moves and nice touch from inside 10 feet, on a team that has been searching for ANY sign of life from the position.  He is surprisingly mobile, and has good length, but it doesn't translate well on the defensive end of the court.

It was evident last year that Krstic's lack of defensive toughness, created spacing issues in the post becasue Collison and Green (the only two REAL defensive presences on the blocks for OKC) tried to provide backside support but were overmatched at times.  Collison at 6-10, and Green at 6-9 are too short and not quite "long enough" to scare anyone form running their offense through the post.

OKC Needs: Low post length, defensive toughness, a shot alterer, athleticism.

Enter Thabeet

Hasheem Thabeet is exactly what the Thunder need in the center position.  An athletic defensive presence who will alter every shot in his zip-code.  While his offensive game is rather raw, Thabeet is dominant enough at the defensive end, that a #3 pick validates his being a starter immediately...

but wait...

We are discussing value now, and a means to improve the Thunder quicker.  Isn't Javale McGee a carbon copy of Hasheem Thabeet (less a year of college experience)?  In addition to picking up the "spec" center OKC is looking for, they would also land the #5 pick. 

JaVale McGee

McGee is more than meets the eye.  At a legit 7-0 tall he also posseses a wingspan of 7-6.  Prototype "Presti" length from a position where length is game-changing. Only a 2 year starter at Nevada, McGee showed shot blocking dominance in a short period of time. 

Even more importantly (to my eyeball trade filter test), is the fact that he isn't a 'hard-gainer'.  At 225 entering the league last year, he has legitimately added 12 pounds of mass and maintained a lean 6% body fat.  This is the difference between him becoming a TRUE 260 pound defensive force, and not just a career shot blocker (ala Marcus Camby).

Here's a scout on him:

Rare physical specimen—has an almost unprecedented combination of size, length (7-6), athleticism and fluidity, packed on a frame that should easily be able to fill out nicely. Has excellent hands, runs the floor like a deer, and is extremely reactive off his feet. Has an intriguing variety of skills too—the ability to knock down 3-pointers, put the ball on the floor, and execute some incredibly smooth pivot moves in the paint, finishing elegantly off the glass with excellent extension and touch. Gets off the ground impressively and can really be a factor as a shot-blocker or on the offensive glass. —the sky is clearly the limit on his upside. 

Thabeet vs. McGee (plus the #5) tilts the scales towards the latter from a value standpoint.

The #5 Overall Pick

James Harden fills out the Thunder Roster with an exclamation point.  If ever a player had an obvious comparative upside, it 's Harden. He reminds me in every aspect of Mitch Richmond (starting with the tale of the tape... Both 6-5 215).  HIs laundry list of scouted strengths is huge:

Offense:  All-around offensive polish, Scoring instincts, Shot-selection, Ability to create own shot, Craftiness, Decision making, Efficiency, Mix between scoring and passing, Transition play, Versatility, Aggressive slashing mentality, Change of gears/Hesitation moves, 3-point shooting, Ability to catch and shoot

Defense: Ability to get in passing lanes, Commitment to playing defense, Off-ball defense, Assertiveness, Defensive rebounding, 

Intangibles: Coachable, Fundamentals, Unselfishness, Winning mentality, Work ethic, Left-handed, Court vision, Balance, Body control, Solid frame.

Future Lineup/Outlook:

C: JaVale McGee

PF: Jeff Green

SF: Kevin Durant

SG: James Harden

PG: Russell Westbrook

Bench: Krstic, Sefalosha, Collison, Weaver, #25 this year, (2) #1's next year.

This completes as young and as promising a starting 5 that the NBA has.  Length, length length with a deadly mix of shooters and scorers that are willing to play defense make for a certain playoff team in the near future.

Add to the mix, a #25 overall pick this year (maybe a worker like Hansborough for toughness), and 2 first rounders next year... and you have the flexibility to take the best players available at ANY position.  An extremely deep, ridiculously young, and ultimately talented team is a near certainty within 2 years.