While there are now not many people left on the free agent market and the workforce, except for upheaval via the expected trades of Damian Lillard and James Harden, is almost complete, it’s time to take stock of the first summer for all 30 NBA franchises. After Detroit, Houston, San Antonio, Charlotte, PortlandThen Orlando, Washingtonand finally Indiana , UtahDallas and Chicago, we review OKC, is the young guard of the Thunder ready to seek the playoffs?
If Oklahoma City was able to count on the ardor of its youth to thrill its fans during an amazing season, Minnesota and Rudy Gobert quickly swept away the hopes of the Thunder during the play-in with a stinging defeat (120 – 95). A blessing in disguise, that’s enough to give the men of Mark Daigneault, whom the leaders have just extended, the ambitions to come and play spoilsport in the Western Conference.
Especially since the franchise has been very active in strengthening a young and talented workforce. Between the arrival of the MVP of the Euroleague, Vasilije Micic, the recruitment of Davis Bertans and Victor Oladipo (admittedly seriously injured…) to bring some experience to the group, the draft of Cason Wallace in 10th position and the return injury to Chet Holmgren, OKC seems to have succeeded in its offseason. However, there are only 12 players on a match sheet, has the specter of the infirmary pushed the front office to overload the workforce? On paper, there are 24 players! Which means there will still be movement…
SEASON 2022/23
40 wins – 42 losses (19th)
16th attack: 114.2 points scored on 100 possessions
13th defense: 113.2 points conceded on 100 possessions
ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES
Arrivals : Vasilije Micic, Jack White, Davis Bertans, Usman Garuba, Victor Oladipo, TyTy Washington Jr., Cason Wallace (10th pick), Hunter Tyson (37th pick), Keyontae Johnson (50th pick)
Departures : Dario Saric
WORKFORCE 2023/24
Leaders : Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, Tyty Washington Jr.
Full-backs/wingers : Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, Victor Oladipo, Cason Wallace, Lindy Waters III, Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams, Ousmane Dieng, Keyontae Johnson, Jack White, Kenrich Williams
Interiors : Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, Davis Bertans, Usman Garuba, Aleksej Pokusevski, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
THE LIKELY MAJOR FIVE
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
THE OBJECTIVE
Confirm and mature. OKC has one of the best youth squads, but be careful not to skip the stages.
OKC will be able to count on its All-Star point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to continue to breathe his energy into the field. He forms with Josh Giddey, a back line capable of igniting a match and blackening the score sheet. At just 21, the full-back may be the catalyst for OKC’s return to the top flight.
Let’s add a serious and hardworking defender like Luguentz Dort, pillar of the five by his ability to take care of the best opposing exterior. If he doesn’t have the “star” profile or status, Dort is a real watchdog, ready to let his teammates shine offensively.
It remains to be seen whether the expected arrival of the Serb, Vasilije Micic, can enrich the rotation of Mark Daigneault. Signed for 23.5 million dollars for the next three seasons, the point guard has made the rounds of the Euroleague, and he had already announced that he would join the NBA the day he had a real role to play. One can imagine that the timing seems perfect.
QUESTIONS
What impact for Chet Holmgren? This is the key element for this hoped-for progression of the Thunder since it comes out of a white season. Number 2 in the 2022 Draft, Holmgren seduced this summer with successful summer leagues (16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 3.5 blocks). At 2m16 tall, he is considered Victor Wembanyama’s number one opponent for the title of rookie of the year.
The rotations. With 24 players on paper, Mark Daigneault will first have to skim, but he already knows that he will be able to take advantage of a rich and complete workforce. But be careful with the management of egos, since it will be necessary to find space, or rather playing time, for the arrivals of Vasilije Micic or even Victor Oladipo when he is operational. Especially on the back lines, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey should play around 35 minutes per game. Inside, we will have to integrate Chet Holmgren, and therefore juggle Jaylin Williams, Usman Garuba, Aleksj Pokusesvki or Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on the 4/5 positions. But it’s still a rich man’s problem…
