The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder appeared like an NBA Finals-caliber workforce many of the season, however they will take solace in understanding their second-round playoff exit is a disappointment.
All collection losses sting, however the sting would not final as lengthy when issues are going in addition to they’re for the Thunder, the league’s second-youngest workforce.
Nonetheless, the postseason loss to Dallas showcased minor holes on OKC’s roster — the holes critics famous all through the season — so the Thunder should make strikes on the perimeters to set themselves up for a Finals run.
Greater huge males
Chet Holmgren (16.5 PPG) was gorgeous in his rookie season, and Jaylin Williams brings a pleasant change of tempo to Thunder bench lineups. Exterior of these two, nonetheless, OKC would not have one other high-quality frontcourt participant.
That ought to — and doubtlessly will — change this offseason, with loads of choices to select from on the free-agent market.
Isaiah Hartenstein is the dream match, however New York will do the whole lot in its energy to retain him. Nonetheless, any one among Nic Claxton, Jonas Valanciunas and even Mason Plumlee would make rotations so much simpler when head coach Mark Daigneault’s workforce matches up towards an opponent with dimension.
Merely having one other middle will do wonders. He would not have to be a world-beater, simply somebody who can set screens and rebound properly.
Money in on the hypothetical
GM Sam Presti has been unparalleled in his aggression to accumulate draft picks over the previous few years, however now, his workforce is able to compete on the highest stage, so these draft picks really feel much less necessary.
If something, including extra younger gamers may simply create logjams at positions the Thunder are already sturdy at.
So why not name up rebuilding groups and see if they will take these picks for established veterans who’re, primarily, losing away on groups which are years from profitable? Would Portland half with Jerami Grant? Does Toronto actually have use for Jakob Poeltl?
Regardless, Presti must be aggressive in including items that assist now, particularly if all he has to sacrifice are picks that do not have a transparent profit for OKC anyway.
Preserve transferring up
Nothing OKC did this season was a fluke.
Famous person Shai Gilgeous-Alexander someway improved, Jalen Williams can be an All-Star sooner slightly than later and Holmgren proved why OKC chosen him with the No. 2 decide within the 2022 NBA Draft.
So long as OKC continues to purchase into Daigneault’s system, its subsequent steps are primarily simply extra of the identical: Keep the course and nice issues will come.
The town is behind these Thunder already, that is for positive.
