The Thunder has struggled to develop through the NBA Draft since selecting Steven Adams at No. 12 in 2013. [AP FILE PHOTO]

The franchise built on the draft is missing in the draft.

Position high up the board offers its advantages. The Seattle SuperSonics/Thunder selected Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden all in the top four picks of consecutive drafts. But even after the high lottery jackpot which laid the foundation, key cogs were found deeper in the first round of the NBA Draft.

So, when that young talent becomes costly on second contracts, it's those developmental prospects deeper in the draft that become integral. Getting Reggie Jackson and Serge Ibaka at No. 24 overall. Snagging Steven Adams at No. 12 and Andre Roberson at 26 in the same draft.

But since the Thunder drafted Adams and Roberson in the first round in 2013, it's struggled to latch onto and develop that inexpensive help that's so critical to rosters with big payrolls.