The 2023 NBA draft lottery is officially over, as it confirmed the Oklahoma City Thunder will pick No. 12 in the first round of the draft.
It’s also draft combine week, which means all of the top prospects are gathered in Chicago, Ill. This means that most players will likely be asked who they’ve worked out and met with so far.
Add Connecticut guard Jordan Hawkins to the list, as he confirmed in his media availability he visited the Thunder in a pre-draft visit, per CBS Sports’ Kyle Boone.
When asked about the Thunder, Hawkins was very complimentary of their young core, pointing out their young backcourt led by an All-NBA First Team player.
“Great team. They got a lot of young talent. Josh Giddey is a great, great basketball player (and) great passer. Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander) is Shai. I think it’ll be a great team and great fit,” Hawkins said. “I think they have a promising future.”
The 21-year-old spent two college seasons at UConn. In 37 games last season, he averaged 16.2 points on 40.9% shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. From 3, he shot 38.8% on 7.6 attempts.
There’s an outside shot Hawkins is available at No. 12, but in all likelihood, the Thunder would need to trade up a couple of spots to fully secure him if they intend to draft him.
The 2023 NBA draft is scheduled to happen on Thursday, June 22. A full list of prospects who’ve met with the Thunder can be read here.
