OKC Thunder: How a fly over state has been caught in the middle of NBA History

The most talented young core ever?

When the OKC Thunder splashed onto the scene in 2008, they were a team that already had their foundation, and would not be losing for long. The losses compiled for just one season, and since 2009-10 they have been one of the winningest franchises in the sport.

Despite the bad taste left in your mouth, the conversation starts with Kevin Durant. From the scoring titles to the All-Star appearances, the unbelievable shots, the MVP, the MVP speech, the drama, and the wins, we witnessed history from the University of Texas product. When healthy, most people considered him the second-best player in the sport, and he spent his prime in Oklahoma City. That is remarkable.

You move onto Russell Westbrook, who for the first time since Oscar Robertson averaged a triple-double for an entire season…then did it two more times. Factor in things like the 20-20-20 game last season, the buzzer-beaters, rim-rattling dunk, yet another MVP in Oklahoma City, and his personal brand off the court and you again have a player that will be talked about within NBA circles for the rest of time. Oh yeah, the organization also had James Harden who went on to be one of the best scorers in the game and an MVP in his own right.

You might be thinking, okay three all-time players, that is cool and all but what else? Well, there is plenty more beyond just the players listed. No, I am not even talking about Carmelo Anthony, or Paul George, or any of the other future Hall of Famers who had a brief stint in OKC.

I am talking all-time greats. The LeBron’s, Dirk’s, and Kobe’s. The Oklahoma City Thunder have crossed paths and be right in the thick of NBA history, and when you take a step back and break it down, it is truly amazing.