Why the OKC Thunder shouldn’t trade before the deadline

OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder Darius Bazley (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Developing the young OKC Thunder talents:

Darius Bazley 19, Lugentz Dort 20, Hamidou Diallo 21, Terrance Ferguson 21, and Justin Patton 22 are some of the youngest players with massive upside on the Thunder squad.

The average age of the team is 24 and we’ve had many opportunities to see glimpses of this youthful group throughout the season.

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When Danilo Gallinari was out with injury, Bazley stepped up and made an impact wherever he could. One of his best performances came against the New Orleans Pelicans in November when he scored 17 points.

In only his rookie season, he has become a starter, opening matches with SGA and Ferguson. They’ve got so much enthusiasm and courage when they’re on the floor together that it can seem like they’ve been in the league for a lot longer than they have.

These players are beginning to come into their own and being able to grow together is a significant opportunity that not many promising talents have.

Through giving them the chance to showcase their skills, the OKC Thunder have shown that they have faith in their potential.

The Thunder did the same with Kevin Durant, Westbrook and Adams, helping them to evolve as players at their own pace.

By avoiding trades and keeping these players, they would have the right space to reach their peak. In three to five years, they’ll have further knowledge of the game and could be forming into larger contributor roles.

OKC is able to play the long game and should carry on having patience and nurturing their players because though it is not often said, time is on their side.

Not many franchises stick with a young group but sometimes when they do, it can be the best decision they made not only for the team but the individuals as well.

We have only just started watching this exhilarating team and I’m sure Thunder fans everywhere would love to see more of what they have to offer.