Within the swirling tempest of the NBA, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are poised getting ready to a big evolution. The franchise’s path, brilliantly architected by their ever-strategic normal supervisor, Sam Presti, is now changing into a speaking level. The looming query is: When will all of the acquired draft picks transmute right into a crew that not solely competes however dominates?
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Taking a step again and searching on the greater image, it’s evident that the Thunder have at all times punched above their weight. Every season, they’ve flirted with the prospect of as soon as once more changing into a powerhouse within the league. And, opposite to some opinions, this could be the yr they inch nearer to that ambition.
Whereas bagging a championship or clinching the highest spot within the West would possibly appear to be a distant dream, the crew’s win complete of 44.5 affords a extra tangible aim. And given their historical past of overachievement and the steerage of their seasoned teaching workers, surpassing this determine appears believable.
One can’t talk about the Thunder’s potential with out highlighting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Incomes a spot within the All-NBA first crew final season, he continues to mature right into a formidable drive on the court docket. Nevertheless, the approaching season holds extra intrigue within the type of two names: rookie Cason Wallace from Kentucky and the returning Chet Holmgren, whose absence was felt final season. If each gamers hit their stride, the Thunder would possibly effectively be observing a win complete within the 50s.
The trajectory the Thunder are on eerily mirrors their previous when the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden carried the franchise to spectacular heights. Can the present roster replicate such success? Solely time will inform.
Nevertheless, a glimpse into the crew’s technique turns into evident when analyzing their roster’s construction. With a plethora of guards and overlapping abilities, the Thunder could be one acquisition away from hitting their zenith. In the event that they handle to consolidate their assets into procuring one other star to pair with Gilegous-Alexander, the NBA Finals could possibly be again on the horizon for Oklahoma Metropolis.
In essence, whereas a decade might have handed since their final aggressive crew, for the Thunder, the storm is simply gathering momentum.
