The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder regarded like an NBA Finals-caliber crew many of the season, however they will take solace in figuring out 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 crew.
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 sides 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, nevertheless, 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 certainly one of Nic Claxton, Jonas Valanciunas and even Mason Plumlee would make rotations so much simpler when head coach Mark Daigneault’s crew matches up towards an opponent with dimension.
Merely having one other heart will do wonders. He would not must be a world-beater, simply somebody who can set screens and rebound effectively.
Money in on the hypothetical
GM Sam Presti has been unparalleled in his aggression to amass draft picks over the previous few years, however now, his crew is able to compete on the highest degree, so these draft picks really feel much less essential.
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, basically, losing away on groups which are years from successful? 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 shifting up
Nothing OKC did this season was a fluke.
Celebrity Shai Gilgeous-Alexander one way or the other improved, Jalen Williams will probably be an All-Star sooner quite 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 basically simply extra of the identical: Keep the course and nice issues will come.
Town is behind these Thunder already, that is for positive.
