30 Teams in 30 Days: Thunder's Reload After a First-Place Finish Last Season

Offseason period

Last season

OKC won 57 games, seized the top seed (becoming the youngest team, at an average age of 24 years, to ever do so) and saw its star become an MVP finalist. That’s three major achievements for a franchise that announced its arrival very loudly. The Thunder came up short in the playoffs, failing to reach the conference final, the only nitpick on an otherwise solid season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was superb, averaging 30 points (on 53% shooting) and developed into a very good passer (6.2 assists). Improvements from Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren meant the Thunder had three respected players who served as a Baby Big Three. And it was no surprise Mark Daigneault was voted Coach of the Year.

Summer summary

Hartenstein is only the biggest free agent addition in franchise history; Patrick Patterson held those honors previously, which tells you plenty about OKC’s lack of magnetism. It was a major coup for a team needing interior toughness and a rebounder.

As for Caruso, he’s a defensive-minded guard with an improving 3-point range. The cost of doing business with Chicago was parting with Giddey, but he fell out of favor anyway. Overall, OKC added a pair of quality players without dipping into its stash of future first-round draft capital, another big win for GM Sam Presti.

Spotlight on

Holmgren was well worth the one-year wait from his injury-delayed rookie season; his shooting range for his size and defensive instincts in particular made him a unicorn. With Hartenstein around to provide muscle, Holmgren might enjoy even more freedom this season, especially away from the post. In a realistic best-case scenario, he’ll flirt with All-Stardom by February.

How far can the Thunder go?

Once again, Presti proved he’s one of the very best front office folks in the business, with a trade and free agent signing that very well could put this emerging contender over the top next summer. OKC is suddenly flush with talent and depth. Every major role is filled and there are no serious flaws.

Shai’s continued ascent as a top-5 talent will be crucial, obviously, but the surrounding cast could determine whether this team reaches the NBA Finals or once again falls short. Everything is in place for a team that should rank among the best in the league on both ends of the floor — and a team that’s young and built to last.

Up next: Denver Nuggets | Previously: Toronto Raptors

30 Teams in 30 Days: Complete schedule

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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can e-mail him here, find his archive here and follow him on X.

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