"There's a good chance that when the 2011 NBA Draft concludes Thursday night you won't be able to pronounce the name of the Oklahoma City Thunder's first-round selection.

There's an even better chance you won't see that player in a Thunder uniform next season.

This year's draft is shaping up to feature a heavy dose of international prospects, and when the Thunder picks at No. 24 it's highly possible the franchise employs the draft-and-stash approach, allowing whatever player it picks to continue developing overseas rather than immediately coming to the NBA.

"These guys are the ultimate draft-and-stash guys," said ESPN analyst Fran Fraschilla of the Thunder. "I think this is the perfect year to take another one of those international kids."

As Fraschilla put it, the stars have aligned for an international prospect to get plucked.

"The reality of this year's draft is this is the perfect storm for international players because four of the top 10 picks in this draft decided to go back to college," Fraschilla said.

Those prospects — Baylor's Perry Jones, Kentucky's Terrence Jones, Ohio State's Jared Sullinger and North Carolina's Harrison Barnes — have bumped up international prospects on draft boards throughout the league.

But the Thunder is faced with a unique set of circumstances that might increase the chances of Thursday night's selection coming from across the water.

Oklahoma City has a stacked roster that fielded the maximum 15 players at season's end. As many as 14 of those players could return. Because of the cramped roster, there is little playing time available to a young prospect.

Additionally, uncertainty over what the new salary cap could look like in a renegotiated collective bargaining agreement could make the Thunder take a cautious approach. Kevin Durant's contract extension kicks in next season, and point guard Russell Westbrook is eligible for an extension this summer that would go into effect before the 2012-13 season. Rather than tie up additional cap space on a prospect who might essentially be a practice player, the Thunder could look abroad."