For years, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been piling up young players and draft capital for the future.
But last year’s team proved that the ‘future’ might be way nearer than most people thought, as they flirted with a playoff spot for the better part of the campaign, at least while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was healthy.
Notably, next season’s team looks even more stacked, and that’s evident by just taking a look at their Summer League roster.
As highlighted by NBA on ESPN, the Thunder could feature the likes of Tre Mann, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams, and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl in the Summer League.
The Thunder's summer league roster is loaded 😳 pic.twitter.com/JdmbNSBVe5
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 3, 2023
Needless to say, the biggest addition would be Chet Holmgren, who missed his entire rookie season with a foot injury after being taken No. 2 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Injury concerns aside, Holmgren boasts one of the highest upsides among young players in the league right now, and he’s reportedly bulked up and added muscle to his lanky and skinny frame.
The Thunder have added one of the best and most accomplished European players in Vasilije Micic to add another veteran to that young core, while Patty Mills will give them another leader in the locker room.
Shai continues to look like a superstar in the making, and Josh Giddey took another leap forward in his second campaign in the league, so don’t be shocked if the new-look Thunder outplay some so-called contenders to get back to the playoffs for the first time in four years.
NEXT: Photo Shows Chet Holmgren's Physique Change Since Joining NBA
