The NBA has spent the last decade or so trying to keep the playing field level. The aim for parity generally seems to be working, especially with the restrictive tax aprons making it difficult for some contenders to make meaningful roster moves.
Only one problem: The Thunder, thanks to draft pick hoarding maneuvers by top executive Sam Presti, seem almost invincible.
Courtesy of the highly-productive 2019 Paul George trade with the Clippers, the Thunder acquired a superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with multiple first-round picks. The reigning Most Valuable Player led them to last season’s championship and seems poised to do so again.
The Thunder have a ridiculous 24-1 record and could break Golden State’s record of 73 regular-season victories.
They rank in the top five in nearly every offensive and defensive statistical category. They’ve achieved this despite their second-best player, Jalen Williams, appearing in only six games. He’s rounding back into form after recovering from a wrist injury – he had a 25-point, 8-assist game against Utah on Sunday.
Oklahoma City has arguably the deepest team in the league and heads into the NBA Cup semifinals this weekend after thrashing the Suns by 49 points in the quarterfinals.
What makes the Thunder even scarier is that they could legitimately control the next few drafts. They could have multiple lottery picks next June, including the reeling Clippers’ unprotected pick.
Imagine dropping AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cameron Boozer onto this already loaded roster. OKC is also owed multiple first-rounders in the 2027 draft as well.
Of course, trying to retain all their top players will eventually create luxury tax issues for the Thunder. It’s still hard to envision this franchise not being a dynasty.
That brings us to today’s topic: Will the Thunder breaks the Warriors’ record of 73 regular-season wins this season? Are they destined to win back-to-back championships? If not, which team can prevent them from taking the title again? How many titles can the Thunder win over the next decade?
Please take to the comments section to weigh in on this topic. We look forward to your input.
The next challenge for the Thunder will be navigating the second apron, and although doing so isn’t a given, if there’s anyone who can it’s Presti. If the Thunder keep hitting on their draft picks and/or using those picks to acquire cheaper long-term talent, they’ll be just fine.
Aside from the George trade and draft pick hording, I’d say the biggest change Presti’s made has been avoiding low upside players that fit team needs in the draft. Back during the contending KD and Westbrook days, I remember there were a few drafts where Presti missed on those types of players and noted how he tended to draft so much better when he went with BPA. And it’s an even more critical approach now that the second apron necessitates a constant refueling of the tank, so to speak.
With their picks from other teams, the freezing of their picks won’t matter much. They can deal with their other stash.
I think that their real issue will be roster size. If they draft 3 lottery picks next summer, who do they release? That will be 5 guys who are effectively rookies, with Topic and Sorber rehabbing now.
They have 11 under contract for next year. Hartenstein, Dort, and K Williams on team options, 4 are RFA. And that is 17 of 18 roster spots (including 2 ways).
Sure, they can deal the extra picks for future assets, but if I know they have to deal someone, I am not giving them top dollar. I need picks to take one of their guys, because they need “me” to take them. Other GMs need to make them pay a premium to get rid of guys.
“Will the Thunder breaks the Warriors’ record of 73 regular-season wins this season? Are they destined to win back-to-back championships? If not, which team can prevent them from taking the title again? How many titles can the Thunder win over the next decade?”
These aren’t questions to ask 25 games into the season after their 1st championship. Totally premature. Let the season play out. Slumps — and injuries — happen. Contenders rise. Complacency may set in. Teams aren’t dynasties until they win three in a row. Let the Thunder get to *two* before we start anointing them. smh
Here is a question. If you are the coach of random team about to face OKC, do you give your guys some rest? Instead of a 35 minute night, maybe make it a 28 minute night? Not tank, but not put the effort it on a likely lost cause. Western teams also don’t want to show what they might try in the playoffs. And if they haven’t played close games, it is hard to then play on close games. Just remember that the 4th seed in the eastern conference took them to 7, and if not for the injury to Halibutton, they might have lost.
I am not saying this should be done, or think it is. But wondering if it might be done. Let them win the regular season. Get them in the playoffs, is the theory in this.