2023-24 season: 57-25
highlight: Chet Holmgren was superb straight away, giving the Thunder a legitimate big three this early on.
how it ended
No sad faces in the front office. This year was a great year for this young roster, and the Thunder gained valuable playoff experience before heading into next season with increased expectations and a possibly improved roster. So let's talk about it.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved last season wasn't just a short-term spike, but his new normal. His 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2 steals on 53.5 percent shooting from the field accurately paint a picture of a 25-year-old superstar on his way to becoming one of the most destructive two-way players in the world. is drawn on. alliance.
Gilgeous-Alexander took the reins as the primary playmaker this season, with the ball mostly passing through his hands without the offense stagnating or devolved into a geocentric concept. This is largely due to the support of head coach Mark Denault, whose emphasis on ball movement and play design has allowed the Thunder to put up impressive numbers without sacrificing touches or chances for his teammates. We were able to have players who could play.
Part of their success is also due to Jaylen Williams, who seems content to score 12 or 25 points a night. The all-round winger is capable of playing multiple positions, defends at a high level, and has no problem handling the attention that Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren receive.
The Thunder find themselves in that sweet spot before their roster becomes otherworldly expensive, led by the rookie contracts of Holmgren and Williams. Both players have two years left on their contracts before future contract extensions kick in.
With that salary structure, the Thunder will need to attack this summer with additions to their big three in order to make a real shot at winning a title next season.
What you need most in the off-season
The Thunder had the best 3-point efficiency in the league, but ranked just 16th in attempts. They need a production 3-point shooter who can take 8-10 shots per game while taking on an off-ball role. Portland's Anfernee Simons comes to mind as a player who could help the Thunder become the most dominant offensive team in the league for years to come.
draft focus
Sam Presti and staff have done a great job building options around Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren. OKC's young roster features versatile playmakers over 6-foot-6 and tall players who can guard multiple positions. Two possibilities are French forward Tijan Saraun or Baylor's 6-foot-5 shooting guard Jacoby Walter. A fan favorite has to be Jaylen Williams' younger brother, Colorado native Cody Williams. — Kristen Peek
Draft pick: No.12
salary cap analysis
The Thunder traded Gordon Hayward to his expiring contract at the deadline. If the Thunder waive their rights and give up more than $47 million in cap space, they would have more than $30 million available. Things could get even better if they decide to remove Josh Guidi, who seems to be only effective when the ball is in his hands.
That's great flexibility after a 57-win season with his core intact. This allows them to shop around in free agency or absorb player contracts into cap space through trades.
Key Free Agents
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Goals for next season
Given the right summer moves and expected health, there's no reason to think the Thunder couldn't win it all, and that should definitely be their goal. The goal is lofty, but that's the point.
What moves the fantasy needle?
The Thunder are building one of the most promising rosters in the league. Losing them in the second round is disappointing, but they have plenty of draft picks, cap space, and young stars. Gilgeous-Alexander is a consensus top-five pick (probably top three), and Holmgren is on track for a late first-round, early second-round pick. Jaylen Williams is on a similar trend and will likely be drafted in the third or fourth round, which is several rounds better than his 23-24 ADP. .
An area of opportunity is in the Guidi trade. His role diminished as the season progressed, and even less in the playoffs. OKC will need to trade him before he becomes a free agent in 2025, as his playmaking skill set is unnecessary.
Give Giddy an extension as Kayson Wallace could be ready to get more playing time or OKC could spend money on a strong free agent who can provide more perimeter shooting and defense. No need to. I also expect the Thunder to target a big man to strengthen their frontcourt. Upgrading to Jaylin Williams would provide even more rim protection and rebounding due to the significantly smaller interior size.
That being said, it's going to be an exciting offseason and we might actually see Presti put some chips in to take OKC to the next level. — Dan Titus
