As one of the extra fashionable present rebuilds in the NBA proper now, the Oklahoma City Thunder have garnered a lot of consideration with choose acquisition, daring draft choice and, most significantly and lately, their successful streak.
There’s tons of hype round the unprecedented quantity of first spherical picks normal supervisor Sam Presti has acquired, however the imaginative and prescient is beginning to come to fruition in a really tangible manner on-court.
Here are Inside The Thunder’s rankings for the present OKC Thunder rebuild belongings:
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The crown jewel of Oklahoma City’s rebuild, there’s little question the crew can be in a really completely different hunt (french phenom Victor Wembanyama) proper now with out Gilgeous-Alexander.
He was the centerpiece of the monumental commerce made by Presti all these years in the past and the imaginative and prescient is now coming to fruition through an MVP-caliber season (30.5 factors, 5.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks).
At simply 24-years-old, he’s one of the finest guards in the whole NBA and the catalyst for any and all success Oklahoma City could have in years to return.
It took Paul George to fetch Gilgeous-Alexander the first time round, however it’s secure to say that funding has paid off ten-fold for OKC. Not to say the picks that got here alongside, too (we’ll get to you later, Jalen Williams). There’s no telling what SGA’s worth has blossomed to now.
2. Chet Holmgren
A doubtlessly scorching take with Josh Giddey’s improved play of late, Holmgren nonetheless has the potential to be a monumental power for OKC.
While it doesn’t have an ideal observe report, the second general slot has an honest historical past of spitting out a number of time All-Stars, and with innate size and really feel for the recreation, Holmgren matches that mould effectively.
He’ll miss his whole first season as a result of harm, however make no mistake: Holmgren is one of, if not the largest think about OKC getting again to rivalry.
3. Josh Giddey
Drafted sixth general the yr earlier than Holmgren, Giddey has exceeded any and all expectations up to now.
Averaging 17.5 factors, 8.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists per recreation since Dec. 1, Giddey’s been taking part in like a bona fide All-Star for a pleasant stretch now and doesn’t present any indicators of slowing down. He had a lackluster begin to the season, however has seemingly discovered NBA pacing and located his groove through his 6-foot-8 body.
Putting Giddey at No. 3 right here is not any slight. If he really is Oklahoma City’s third-best asset on paper, the Thunder are going to be in nice, nice place.
4. Jalen Williams
Drafted twelfth general final summer time, Williams has burst onto the scene as a direct impression contributor for Oklahoma City.
He’s match seamlessly in each the offensive and defensive system, and solely stands to get higher as time goes on. After working by means of a sluggish begin as a result of harm, Williams has basically been the Thunder’s third-most used creator, and the stats again it up.
Despite being OKC’s third lottery choice in 2022, Williams goes to play an enormous half on this crew’s future.
5. Luguentz Dort
I used to be tempted to fit Ousmane Dieng right here as a result of potential, however I’m unsure most NBA entrance workplaces view the Thunder’s 2022 swing choose in the identical gentle as these round OKC.
With that in thoughts, almost each crew desires extra assistance on the perimeter and Dort gives a lot of that in the methods of protection.
For now, he’s a defensive stalwart and fairly inefficient scorer — issues that don’t lend themselves completely to common season ball. But come playoff time, everybody’s going to need a Dort.
Honorable mentions: Ousmane Dieng, Kenrich Williams, a million first spherical choices.
Want to hitch the dialogue? Like SI Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to remain updated on all the newest Thunder news. You may also meet the team behind the protection.
submit credit score to Source link