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Oklahoma City obtained crushing news this week concerning the standing of No. 2 general choose Chet Holmgren. Now that the massive man has been dominated out for the season’s entirety, it’s time to consider what the new-look squad will appear like minus the Holmgren projections.
Even with out Holmgren, Oklahoma City’s brutally low win totals appear perplexing. Not all websites have been up to date because the harm, however the Thunder’s totals are virtually all the time set someplace within the low 20’s. There have been loads of projections which have Oklahoma City’s 2022-23 report worse than a season in the past.
It’s exhausting to see the present roster profitable much less video games than season in the past. The entrance courtroom will battle mightily as soon as once more, particularly since Holmgren was slotted in as a starter, however there’s extra expertise than individuals suppose. Oklahoma City received 24 video games a season in the past, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort all lacking important time with harm.
Now, in only a few quick months, the Thunder can have all three key gamers wholesome and gearing up for the season, plus reinforcement additions. Holmgren was clearly probably the most intriguing rookie on the roster, but it surely’s simple to overlook that Oklahoma City added two extra lottery picks. Both Jalen Williams and Ousmane Dieng can have alternatives to play straight away, however Williams appears to be a direct influence participant. Adding a contributor with a excessive ceiling is a recipe for fulfillment to an already younger core.
Both Darius Bazley and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl can have prolonged tasks after every of their roles had been comparatively unsure all through the offseason. Before the harm, the 2 had been doubtless preventing for courtroom time, however now, each gamers will probably be counted on for manufacturing. Arkansas large man Jaylin Williams would possibly see the courtroom earlier than anticipated, too.
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With Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey again within the fold, the Thunder ought to nonetheless have a lot to stay up for. SGA may simply take that All-Star step, increasing Oklahoma City’s ceiling larger. Just by offseason development and enchancment, the Thunder’s core ought to look so much higher.
Another factor to bear in mind is that the underside of Oklahoma City’s bench may look so much totally different this season. There’s not an abounding quantity of G League expertise and two-way contracts, and extra “prove it” gamers and rookies. Talented second-year guys like Aaron Wiggins and Tre Mann are candidates for heavy taking part in time which have proven critical promise.
Holmgren’s harm is brutal for the Thunder’s leisure issue and the rookie’s improvement. Outside of that, although, Oklahoma City’s speedy win influence shouldn’t take an excessive amount of of successful.
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story by The Texas Tribune Source link
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