Thunder Draft Profile: Nah’Shon ‘Bones’ Hyland

With the NBA Finals looking like it will go the distance, much attention hasn’t been given to the NBA Draft. Yet, the draft is just two weeks away, and it could be a night to remember for Oklahoma City Thunder fans.

With six draft picks, the Thunder could either add to their young core or pull off a blockbuster trade. Let’s assume Oklahoma City doesn't try to accelerate the rebuilding process and keeps all their picks.

A possible second-round steal for the Thunder would be Nah’Shon “Bones” Hyland. The VCU guard is projected to be a late first or early second-round selection. If Hyland is available with Oklahoma City’s 34th or 36th pick, they should be ecstatic.

The Delaware native spent just two years at VCU before declaring for the draft. Despite not starting his freshman year, Hyland managed to make the A-10 All-Freshman team.

Once allowed to start, Hyland became the star of VCU basketball. Bones averaged 19.5 points per game in addition to averaging nearly five rebounds and two steals per game.

This sophomore leap led to a host of accolades, including being an A-10 player of the year and being named to All A-10's first team.

Just for context, Obi Toppin, the eighth pick in the 2020 draft, was the A-10 player of the year last season.

Bones had some breakout games during his sophomore campaign. Scoring double digits in all but one game while also topping thirty points three separate times.

Unfortunately, Hyland didn’t play in the NCAA tournament as VCU was the lone team not to play due to COVID protocols.

However, Hyland made up for it at the NBA Combine.

In the first scrimmage at the combine, Hyland was the leading scorer with 17 points. His three-point range is what stood out most during his workouts at the combine.

Listed at 6’3, 165 pounds, Hyland will need to get stronger as he develops in the league. Otherwise, teams will try to target him in pick-and-roll switches because of his lack of size.

But as an excellent shooter and someone comfortable handling the ball, Hyland will be a combo guard in the NBA.

While the Thunder’s backcourt is crowded at the moment, elite shooting is something you can’t have enough of in today’s NBA. Hyland would join Ty Jerome and Theo Maledon as Oklahoma City’s guards who can light it up from three.

If the Thunder trade Kemba Walker this offseason, Hyland could play his way into the point guard rotation with Jerome and Maledon by season's end.