The Oklahoma City Thunder almost certainly will not make the NBA playoffs, or even the play-in tournament this season, but there is still reason for hope.
They have a team that features a number of interesting prospects, and in the coming years, they will have a lot of draft picks, some of which could turn into some top-notch players.
Contrary to what some may think, there are actually a few good reasons to keep tabs on the Thunder this season.
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Oklahoma City’s best player, and he has developed into one of the brightest young stars in the NBA that no one really talks about.
He averaged 24.5 points and 5.9 assists per game last season, and in two games so far this season, he’s putting up 30.0 points a game on 48.9 percent shooting.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 32 & 6 in the season opener
one of the best creators in our sport is back pic.twitter.com/wFO8T03WBP
— TF (@ThunderFocus) October 20, 2022
Perhaps this will be the first time the 24-year-old is named to the All-Star team.
2. Josh Giddey
Josh Giddey is a very intriguing player, as he is 6-foot-8, and although he mainly plays the small forward position, he is essentially a point guard.
Last season as a rookie, he became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, and for the year he averaged 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.
He is one of a growing number of Aussies playing in the NBA, not to mention one of the more versatile players around.
3. Will The Thunder Get To Draft Victor Wembanyama?
The entire basketball world is watching the development of Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to be the top pick in next year’s NBA Draft.
The 7-foot-2 (or taller) 18-year-old Frenchman has been described as a “generational talent” who could even change the pro game.
Victor Wembanyama helped Metropolitans 92 to a fourth straight win in France, over second place Blois, posting 17 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 blocks in yet another dominant two-way performance showing why he'll be the No. 1 pick in the draft this June. pic.twitter.com/0Ru53E1bM3
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) October 21, 2022
Several teams may end up tanking in order to win the No. 1 pick and get to select him, and if Wembanyama were to team up with Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder could become a scary team several years from now.
NEXT: A Thunder Star Is Already Shining Bright