In comparison to teams in a similar phase over the past several years, the OKC Thunder are quite possibly the most entertaining rebuilding team one could tune in to watch.
Aside from already having a franchise cornerstone in place in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — who, by our metrics, was an All-Star snub — during the 2020-21 season alone, fans and media spectators alike have seen the surfacing of hidden gems all over the roster, from guys like Kenrich Williams and Ty Jerome to, my personal favorite, Moses Brown.
By no means the traditional tanking team, as Oklahoma City saw themselves vying for play-in tournament contention throughout the first half of the season, this organization has made even a down year look ultimately promising.
In fact, their production and showings overall throughout the season is seemingly the biggest influence on their ranking as the most promising squad out of all the league’s worst teams.
The OKC Thunder viewed as the most promising tanking team in the NBA
Bleacher Report writer, Dan Favale, recently found himself placing the OKC Thunder in the No. 1 slot out of seven when it comes to the promise that each of the NBA’s bottom of the barrel teams possesses:
"Finding a genuine tent-pole star around which to build is the most pivotal part of any franchise transition. The Oklahoma City Thunder already have theirs in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.Plantar fasciitis in his right foot has kept him sidelined since March 24, but he doesn’t need to log another possession to cement his trajectory. Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and Nikola Jokic are the only other players averaging over 20 points and five assists per game while shooting as efficiently on twos (54.7 percent) and threes (41.8 percent).That Gilgeous-Alexander has married volume and efficiency as the entire basis of Oklahoma City’s offense is spectacular. This is no longer someone benefiting from the presence of another alpha creator. Nor does he enjoy any sort of off-ball license whatsoever. Over 87 percent of his made baskets have gone unassisted—the absolute largest share among 433 players who have appeared in at least 15 games this season.This is, objectively, bonkers. So, too, is the fact SGA doesn’t turn 23 until July. His bound-to-be max extension will create some unrest among those who don’t consider him first-option material, but regardless of price point, he affords Oklahoma City access to dual timelinesDitto for the Thunder’s draft-pick stash. They could have as many as 34 selections through 2027—including up to 17 first-rounders."
With a star in the making already in place, an impressive collection of young complementary players (Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, Theo Maledon, etc.), and the possibility of embarking on many routes when it comes to their draft capital (be it keeping them or packaging them together for an already established stud) the franchise is in an envious place.
Over their 13 year existence, winning has become synonymous with the OKC Thunder brand, as they’ve made it to 10 total postseason appearances, five of which saw deep runs.
Now, even when losing, it appears as though they’ve managed to find a way to ultimately win.