"This doesn't happen too often in our football-heavy state," said Jared Atha, 25, of Clinton. "The chances of the Thunder landing the No. 1 pick are slim, but the excitement will keep me tuned in."

Around 7:45 tonight on ESPN (Cox 29), the lottery show will reveal where the Thunder will select in the June 25 NBA Draft.

"The consensus is we're on the cusp of becoming a great team," said Ryan Doonkeen, of Clinton. "People around the nation were catching on at the end of the season that we're an exciting, young team that has a ton of potential.

"With this draft (lottery), our chances increase with who we draft."

The Thunder finished 23-59 its first season in Oklahoma City after the franchise moved last summer from Seattle.

While the dream is for the Thunder to land the No. 1 pick and get Griffin, some would settle for a top-three selection, knowing Oklahoma City would get either Griffin, Spanish teenage point guard sensation Ricky Rubio or UConn 7-foot-3 center Hasheem Thabeet.

"With such a young unestablished team, one player can really put you in a new position," said Steve Jackson, 41, of Oklahoma City. "This team is so young that a new young player can fit right in."

A few fans said they don't follow the NBA closely but will watch to see where Griffin winds up.

"If there's nothing else on TV, and I remember it's on, I might flip to it," said Leah Housley. "I think I'm one of the few people in Oklahoma who doesn't want Blake Griffin.

"Sure, he'll help whatever team he goes to... But I think our real need is a big center. I'd love to get Hasheem Thabeet."

All Oklahomans will have an advantage over Alexander Sipos, 27, who lives in Germany.

"There are no broadcasts here at all," Sipos said. "I'll probably have to follow it on the internet. If OKC gets Griffin, they are a serious playoff contender. I'm a huge (Kevin) Durant fan and one of the biggest KD collectors overseas. I sure hope OKC gets that first pick."