Thunder linked to player drawing comparisons to Jabari Smith Jr.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have spent years accumulating a historic war chest of draft capital, creating a unique challenge for General Manager Sam Presti: how to maximize assets when the roster is already overflowing with talent. According to a recent report, the franchise may look to add another versatile, floor-spacing big man to their young core in the 2026 NBA Draft.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman linked the Thunder to University of Houston standout Chris Cenac Jr., projecting Oklahoma City to select the power forward with the No. 16 overall pick. The connection is particularly intriguing given the player comparison Wasserman attached to the prospect: Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Cenac Jr., a 6-foot-11, 240-pound freshman, fits the physical archetype that Presti has prioritized during the team’s rebuild. Like Smith Jr., Cenac combines elite size with a smooth shooting stroke, capable of knocking down rhythm three-pointers and hitting difficult fallaway jumpers from the post. Wasserman notes that while Cenac’s defensive playmaking and passing vision remain works in progress, his "high floor" as a shot-maker and rim finisher makes him an enticing target for a team that values offensive versatility.
The comparison to Jabari Smith Jr. suggests a player who can seamlessly slot into a modern "five-out" offense, providing spacing for drivers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams while offering enough size to play alongside Chet Holmgren.
However, the selection highlights a looming logistical hurdle for Oklahoma City. The Thunder currently hold five picks in the first 37 selections of the 2026 NBA Draft. As the roster solidifies into a perennial contender, adding five rookies is virtually impossible. While Presti may eventually package these picks for a star or kick the can down the road, targeting a high-upside prospect like Cenac—who possesses the coveted "3-and-D" big man skillset—represents the exact type of luxury swing a franchise with this much capital can afford to take.
In his latest mock draft, Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman linked the Thunder to University of Houston standout Chris Cenac Jr., projecting Oklahoma City to select the power forward with the No. 16 overall pick. The connection is particularly intriguing given the player comparison Wasserman attached to the prospect: Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr.
Cenac Jr., a 6-foot-11, 240-pound freshman, fits the physical archetype that Presti has prioritized during the team’s rebuild. Like Smith Jr., Cenac combines elite size with a smooth shooting stroke, capable of knocking down rhythm three-pointers and hitting difficult fallaway jumpers from the post. Wasserman notes that while Cenac’s defensive playmaking and passing vision remain works in progress, his "high floor" as a shot-maker and rim finisher makes him an enticing target for a team that values offensive versatility.
The comparison to Jabari Smith Jr. suggests a player who can seamlessly slot into a modern "five-out" offense, providing spacing for drivers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams while offering enough size to play alongside Chet Holmgren.
However, the selection highlights a looming logistical hurdle for Oklahoma City. The Thunder currently hold five picks in the first 37 selections of the 2026 NBA Draft. As the roster solidifies into a perennial contender, adding five rookies is virtually impossible. While Presti may eventually package these picks for a star or kick the can down the road, targeting a high-upside prospect like Cenac—who possesses the coveted "3-and-D" big man skillset—represents the exact type of luxury swing a franchise with this much capital can afford to take.
