Look, whether you love AI or feel existential dread any time the subject comes up, there’s seemingly no way to successfully avoid discussing the technology at any point in our current society. For one reason or another, discussing AI has creeped into just about every aspect of our lives.
That includes mock drafts for the NBA.
USA Today had Microsoft Copilot work through the upcoming NBA draft and provide the world with a full first-round NBA mock draft. And there’s probably a ton that we could discuss there, but let’s focus in on the fact that Copilot had Christian Anderson chosen at No. 12 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Because that’s an interesting landing spot for the Texas Tech star.
USA Today’s AI-powered 2026 NBA mock draft has Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson picked at No. 12 by the Oklahoma City Thunder
Now, I mean, do with it what you will. AI can have issues with sorting through things and there can be accuracy problems at times. But there’s still a ton to be intrigued by here.
Anderson is one of the most productive players in the Big 12 as he’s currently averaging 19.8 points per game, 7.5 assists per game, and punishing defenses from behind the three point line as he makes 43.9 percent of his shots from deep.
With Toppin sidelined and the Red Raiders subsequently trying to figure out how to move forward, Anderson continues to play an increasingly important role for Texas Tech.
Pairing Anderson with Oklahoma City, a team that is fresh off a championship and currently leading the West with a 51-15 record, would give him the opportunity to play for a team that would allow him to develop and grow. There wouldn’t be a pressure cooker sort of situation in OKC. Or at least I’d be shocked if there was one.
It’ll be fun to see how this one plays out (and it’d be great if Anderson could wind up with a successful team like the Thunder).