The Oklahoma City Thunder emerged as one of the most dangerous teams in the NBA last season, securing the first seed with an impressive 57-25 record. Remarkably, this achievement came from a roster with an average age of just 23.9.

Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a breakout season and earned a spot on the All-NBA First Team, the Thunder showcased their potential as a future powerhouse.

Chet Holmgren, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year, made an immediate impact with his defensive presence and as a reliable lob threat.

Jalen Williams continued to grow as a scorer, while Luguentz Dort remained a defensive menace on the perimeter.

These key contributors, along with others, played vital roles in making the Thunder one of the league’s best teams. However, their playoff run was cut short in the Conference Semifinals by Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks.

The Thunder’s rise from the Westbrook era is a testament to smart team-building and player development. The trades of Russell Westbrook and Paul George yielded several draft picks, setting the foundation for a rebuild that has been nothing short of remarkable.

With a strong development system in place, the Thunder have consistently unlocked the potential of their young talent. As a result, their future looks incredibly bright, with an abundance of draft picks to continue adding to their roster.

This offseason, the Thunder bolstered their lineup with the additions of Alex Caruso, a versatile player known for his defensive prowess, and Isaiah Hartenstein, a big-bodied center who adds defensive and rebounding presence. Trading Josh Giddey for Caruso was seen as a savvy move, and signing Hartenstein in free agency was another solid pickup. These moves further solidify the Thunder’s status as a team on the rise.

As this young core continues to develop, the sky’s the limit for the Thunder. While adding more veterans could provide additional stability, their rapid ascent from a play-in team to the top seed in just one season is impossible to ignore. This team will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come, and if they capture a championship shortly, it should come as no surprise.