Cole Aldrich should be right at home in Oklahoma City

Self said the 6-foot-11, 236-pound Aldrich is a big kid who will feel right at home in one of the NBA's smaller cities.

"I don't think Cole could have gone to a better place than Oklahoma City," Self said. "He'll be so much more comfortable with the environment that exists there. That organization has done a fabulous job, not just at winning games but creating a family type environment I think Cole will thrive in.

"I don't want to say this in the wrong way, but I think Cole will operate very well in a smaller market. He could possibly get lost in some bigger places. I think all young kids can. Cole is fired up. His whole family is fired up right now."

The Thunder traded up in Thursday night's draft to get Aldrich from New Orleans, a deal which can not be completed or discussed by either team until the NBA moratorium is lifted July 8.

The Thunder swapped the No. 21 and No. 26 selections to the Hornets for the No. 11 pick, which was used to take Aldrich. The Thunder also had to take 32-year-old guard Morris Peterson, who is guaranteed a $6.61 million contract next season.

In the eyes of NBA scouts, Aldrich's biggest assets are his defensive presence, rebounding, shot blocking, passing and work ethic. Aldrich set a school record with 125 blocks last season and averaged 9.8 rebounds, which was second in the Big 12 to Damion James of Texas (10.3).

"I'm not going to try to go in and do spectacular things," Aldrich said. "I'm going to stick with the things I'm good at. I'm very good at shot blocking, defending and rebounding and I think that's how I'm going to make my presence on the court early is by doing those things. And I'm definitely working hard on my offensive game, too."

Aldrich's offensive repertoire needs work, although he averaged 11.3 points, shot 56.2 percent from the field and 67.9 percent from the free-throw line as a junior last season.