OKC Thunder Land Rising NBL Sensation in Early 2026 NBA Mock Draft Projection…read more…
Australian Star Projected as Thunder’s Next International Gem as Oklahoma City Eyes Long-Term Title Window
In a new wave of 2026 NBA Mock Draft projections released this week, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been forecasted to land a promising international talent from the NBL, further bolstering their already rich stockpile of young stars. The mock draft, compiled by several leading analysts, places NBL standout Luca Vuković—a 6’9″ Serbian-Australian wing known for his scoring versatility and defensive instincts—as OKC’s top selection.
While it’s still early in the 2025–26 scouting cycle, Vuković has surged up draft boards thanks to his stellar play with the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League. At just 18, the combo-forward has displayed a level of maturity and polish that scouts say could translate quickly to the NBA, especially in a player development system like Oklahoma City’s.
Building on a Vision
Under GM Sam Presti, the Thunder have made a name for themselves as draft maestros—strategically hoarding picks and betting on long-term upside. Their latest projected prize fits that mold to perfection. Vuković has been described as a hybrid of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s poise and Josh Giddey’s court vision, with a jumper reminiscent of Danilo Gallinari.
“He’s exactly the kind of player Oklahoma City thrives with,” said ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony. “Length, upside, two-way potential, and international experience—he checks every box.”
The Thunder are expected to pick outside the top five in 2026, assuming continued playoff contention. Vuković is currently projected in the 6–10 range, meaning OKC may either use one of their multiple picks or trade up slightly to secure him.
The NBL Pathway Shines Again
Vuković is the latest in a growing line of top-tier prospects who have chosen the NBL’s “Next Stars” program over traditional U.S. college routes. Following in the footsteps of LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Ousmane Dieng, he’s used the Australian pro league to fast-track his development against veteran competition.
Through the first 14 games of the 2025–26 NBL season, Vuković is averaging 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, shooting 49% from the field and an impressive 38% from deep. He’s also shown an improving handle and above-average decision-making, drawing comparisons to former NBL prospect Dyson Daniels, now thriving in New Orleans.
“He’s a gym rat with a killer mentality,” said Perth Wildcats head coach John Rillie. “Luca came in and bought into the system right away. He’s just scratching the surface.”
OKC’s International Blueprint
Oklahoma City’s attraction to international talent is nothing new. From Giddey (Australia) to Aleksej Pokuševski (Serbia) to recent additions like Ousmane Dieng (France/New Zealand), the Thunder have prioritized global scouting as a key part of their rebuild.
Adding Vuković would continue a trend of calculated gambles with massive upside. His blend of size (6’9″ with a 7’1” wingspan), shooting stroke, and perimeter agility could allow head coach Mark Daigneault to deploy him as a small-ball 4 or even a supersized wing.
“Imagine a lineup where Vuković is flanked by Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and SGA,” said NBA writer Sam Vecenie. “That’s a switchable, unselfish, high-IQ group that can run, shoot, and defend at a championship level.”
What This Means for OKC’s Timeline
After years of slow, patient roster construction, the Thunder are now considered one of the most dangerous young teams in the league. They posted a 52–30 record in 2024–25 and reached the second round of the playoffs before falling in seven games to the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
With a core featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Cason Wallace, OKC has the flexibility to both compete now and invest in talent for the future. Drafting Vuković in 2026 wouldn’t be about instant production—it would be about extending their title window into the next decade.
And with as many as 12 first-round picks over the next five drafts, Presti and the front office can afford to take calculated swings.
League-Wide Reaction
Not surprisingly, the rest of the league is taking notice of OKC’s continued success in identifying and nurturing young talent. Scouts and executives praised the Vuković fit as both logical and dangerous.
“OKC has built something sustainable, and a player like Luca fits like a glove,” one Western Conference scout told The Athletic. “They develop talent better than almost anyone.”
Vuković himself has acknowledged the NBA attention. In a recent interview with Australian media, he said, “The goal has always been the NBA. I watch a lot of Thunder games—they move the ball, they trust young players, and they play hard. That’s where I see myself.”
The Road to June 2026
There’s still a long season ahead in the NBL, and Vuković is expected to participate in the Nike Hoop Summit and international showcases next spring. His stock could rise even further if he leads Perth deep into the playoffs or continues improving his perimeter defense and playmaking.
While nothing is guaranteed, the Thunder appear poised to capitalize once again on the NBL-to-NBA pipeline—one that has proven to be a goldmine for the franchise.
As early as it may be in the draft cycle, one thing is already clear: Luca Vuković to Oklahoma City in 2026 feels more like destiny than speculation.
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🚨 Mock Draft Alert! OKC Thunder projected to snag rising NBL star Luca Vuković in early 2026 NBA Draft boards. Another international gem headed to Bricktown? 🌏🏀 #ThunderUp #NBADraft2026 #NextStars #NBLToNBA.
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