The Thunder aren't supposed to have this pick. General manager Sam Presti didn't expect to. That's why he traded it in January to acquire Dion Waiters.

But playing it safe, Presti protected it within the top 18, and that prudence paid off, producing a unique lottery pick for a title contender.

At the draft combine in Chicago last week, the Thunder were said to primarily be interested in backcourt players, using their 18 interviews mostly in that area. They've been in desperate search of a two-way guard option for a few years now, and even with options available already in Andre Roberson, Anthony Morrow, Waiters, Jeremy Lamb and last draft's 29th overall pick Josh Huestis, the Thunder want more shooting without sacrificing on the defensive end.

In Chad Ford's latest mock draft, though, he has the Thunder selecting a point guard, Cameron Payne from Murray State. The reason? The Thunder only have two point guards on the roster in Russell Westbrook and D.J. Augustin. Westbrook obviously will handle the bulk of the minutes, and Augustin is a high-level, proven backup.

But Augustin is only under contract through next season and bringing a young point guard into the program to start seasoning and developing him is a very Thunder thing to do. We've seen Presti do this before, drafting Reggie Jackson with the 24th overall pick after already having Westbrook and Eric Maynor firmly in place.

Ford also notes Georgia State guard R.J. Hunter, Kansas forward Kelly Oubre and Notre Dame guard Jerian Grant as other possibilities for the Thunder.

There's also the strong chance the Thunder move down in the draft or out altogether. They currently have 13 guaranteed contracts for next season and expect to re-sign both Enes Kanter and Kyle Singler, which would max at the roster at 15. Then there's Huestis, who is viewed favorably within the organization and could join the team this season. Add in the 14th pick, and that's 17 players for 15 spots.

Considering the Thunder are virtually operating with a win-now mandate, this draft pick isn't as valuable as it might be re-purposing it to help restock in the future if Kevin Durant leaves in 2016. The Thunder's roster is virtually already assembled, and while Presti relishes any opportunity to add young talent to the group, this pick isn't essential in addressing a need. Which leaves the Thunder as a pretty clear draft wild-card.