Oklahoma City Thunder Season Preview - Big Moves and Bigger Expectations
Welcome back to the Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast, brought to you by Basketball Monster. I'm your host, Josh Lloyd, and today we're diving into the Oklahoma City Thunder's upcoming season. After a surprising performance last year, the Thunder are looking to build on their success with some significant off-season moves. Joining me to break it all down is the venerable Rylan Stiles.
A New Vibe in OKC
The Thunder have made some bold moves this off-season, signalling their intent to compete at the highest level. Trading Josh Giddey and signing Isaiah Hartenstein are clear indicators that the team is all in for this year. Rylan Stiles notes that these moves show a shift in the team's strategy, focusing less on internal development and more on immediate success.
Key Additions and Departures
The Thunder's off-season was marked by two major acquisitions: Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. Hartenstein, who was pried away from the New York Knicks, brings much-needed rim protection and rebounding. Caruso, on the other hand, is a defensive upgrade and a better fit for the Thunder's style of play. The team also drafted Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell, adding more depth to an already strong roster.
On the flip side, the Thunder said goodbye to Josh Giddey, Gordon Haywood, Bismack Biyombo, Lindy Waters III, and Mike Muscala. While Giddey's departure is significant, the addition of Caruso is expected to fill the void effectively.
Projected Starters and Bench Depth
The starting lineup is expected to feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Hartenstein will likely come off the bench, providing a strong second unit alongside Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and the two Williamses (Jaylin and Kenrich).
Rylan Stiles believes that Hartenstein will play more minutes than Caruso, given the depth in the guard positions and the need for consistent rim protection.
Players to Watch
One of the most intriguing players to watch this season is Dillon Jones. The Thunder have been eyeing him for two years, and they traded back into the first round to secure him. While he may start the season with the Oklahoma City Blue, his development will be closely monitored.
Another player under the spotlight is Ousmane Dieng. After a lacklustre start to his NBA career, this season is make-or-break for him. If he doesn't show significant improvement, he could find himself out of the rotation.
Major Storylines
The biggest storyline for the Thunder this season is whether they have enough offensive firepower. With Josh Giddey gone, the onus is on Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to step up. Williams, in particular, needs to take more shots and become a more consistent offensive threat.
Bold Predictions and Expectations
Rylan Stiles boldly predicts that the Thunder will win the Western Conference. While this may seem ambitious, the team's off-season moves and the development of their young stars make it a plausible outcome. Stiles also projects a 58-24 record for the Thunder, an improvement on last season's 57 wins.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised for an exciting season. With significant off-season additions and the continued development of their young core, the team has set high expectations. Whether they can meet these expectations will depend on the performance of key players like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as we get closer to the start of the season. And don't forget to check out Locked On Thunder for all the latest news and insights.
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Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast. Make sure to give us a thumbs up, leave a comment, and share your thoughts on the Thunder's upcoming season. Until next time, keep those fantasy rosters ready!