This Oklahoma City Thunder core always felt like it was a good team just waiting to be unleashed. A big portion of the glimpses we’ve is thanks to head coach Mark Daignault and his ability to get the most out of his players. The front office has done a great job at identifying good players at the draft and they finally have the makings of a strong and consistent basketball team.
But the biggest difference is that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got to play most of the season. We’ve known that he’s capable of being an All-Star but he blew past that benchmark with the year he just had. The Thunder are now relevant again and on the cusp of getting back to the playoffs thanks to him. Many were surprised to see the Thunder not shut things down for better Victor Wembanyama odds, but the taste of the play-in tournament will do wonders for this young group.
Here is a preview of the 2023 offseason for the Thunder.