Thunder followers are properly conscious of the treasure trove of draft picks that General Manager Sam Presti has acquired. With a roster filled with youth, it’s straightforward to look in direction of the future with pleasure.
It’s not possible, nevertheless, that many of those gamers will stay on the crew for the entirety of Oklahoma City’s rebuild. After OKC prolonged each Lu Dort and Kenrich Williams over the summer season, the Thunder devoted have begun to understand that, finally, there gained’t be sufficient cash to go round.
Money isn’t the solely restrictive issue; Oklahoma City has 19 first-round picks from 2023-2029. With solely 15 roster spots and two two-way contracts, personnel selections are looming for the Thunder brass.
Here are the present gamers who’re almost definitely; and least prone to be round for the lengthy haul.
MOST LIKELY
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SGA is the Thunder’s constructing block. Since becoming a member of the squad, Oklahoma City has seen the Kentucky product blossom from a task participant right into a borderline All-Star, averaging 24.5 factors per sport to associate with 5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per sport. After signing a max contract final summer season, it appears unlikely that the fifth 12 months veteran is leaving the state’s capitol anytime quickly.
Chet Holmgren
Similar to Gilgeous-Alexander, this one appears fairly apparent. The No. 2 choose in the 2022 NBA Draft is precisely what OKC was lacking. The Thunder ranked final in the league in rebounds allowed throughout the 2021-22 season; and Holmgren was slated to repair Oklahoma City’s struggles in the paint. The seven footer will likely be sidelined all season with a foot damage, however showcased his elite talent set in the summer season league, giving followers and coaches a glimpse of what’s to return.
Josh Giddey
With elite passing acumen at solely 19 years outdated, Australia native Josh Giddey has already established himself as a cornerstone of the crew’s future. Giddey is coming into his second season as a Thunder, however stays the youngest participant on the roster. Last season, the 6’8 guard confirmed flashes of his full potential, most notably recording a triple-double en path to a 127-123 win in Madison Square Garden towards the New York Knicks.
Lu Dort
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All offseason, there have been whispers of a possible Lu Dort commerce; that was till the Thunder gave their defensive standout a 5 12 months, $82.5 million greenback contract extension. Dort confirmed an improved offensive sport final season, averaging over 17 factors per sport and beginning each sport previous to his damage. The Arizona State alum’s defensive prowess and rising offensive repertoire offers OKC a key function participant going ahead.
LEAST LIKELY
Theo Maledon
Frenchman Theo Maledon might want to higher his offensive aptness to earn a roster spot. The Thunder guard averaged lower than one three pointer made per sport and simply over two assists per sport final season. With Tre Mann and Aaron Wiggins finishing spectacular rookie campaigns, it will likely be troublesome for Maledon to discover a function on the crew.
Darius Bazley
Darius Bazley was the definition of a “home run swing” in the 2019 NBA Draft. A former McDonald’s All-American, the 6-foot-8 ahead is teeming with potential due his uncooked athleticism. Bazley, nevertheless, has not been capable of absolutely capitalize on his bodily items, battling turnovers and inconsistent offensive play.
Aleksej Pokusevski
Oklahoma City swung for the fences once more in 2020 when it drafted Aleksej Pokusevski with the seventeenth choose. In brief bursts, the 7-foot Serbian has proven that he’s extraordinarily expert for a participant of his measurement. These transient shows of potential are encapsulated in a late season sport towards the Suns, the place the third-year ahead notched a triple-double. Other video games, Pokusevski has struggled to attain and hold possession of the ball. Greater consistency and higher shot choice will likely be key in figuring out Pokusevski’s future with the Thunder.
Ty Jerome
Former NCAA champion Ty Jerome might want to set up himself as a real sharpshooter this season to crack OKC’s rotation. The 6-foot-5 wing shot over 42% from three in 2020, however dipped again right down to 29% final season. Without hitting the three ball persistently, it will likely be exhausting for Jerome to search out taking part in time; and a spot in Oklahoma City’s future plans.
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