OKC Thunder season end round table – Who carved out a role within the future core?

As the OKC Thunder await the coin flip to determine their odds of winning the NBA Draft lottery the team has shifted their focus to next season.

That means players have departed to various areas of the globe to begin their offseason work while the front office is laser-focused on the NBA Draft.

Part of the focus for Sam Presti and the coaching staff will be determining what the roster looks like next season with a view to crafting the future core.

The roster turnover in 2020-21 was extensive as the only players who finished last season and were still on the team by Game 72 of this year were Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley, Isaiah Roby, and Mike Muscala with only the latter not likely back next season.

OKC Thunder roundtable – Which new player carved out a future role?

Next season there should be more constancy with rookies Aleksej Pokusevski and Theo Maledon back. Others who were signed late in the season including Moses Brown, Charlie Brown, and Gabriel Deck. However, as the bespeckled VP has proven that doesn’t mean he won’t package them in a deal if it means adding draft picks.

That leads us into the next question of the season end round table and which player outside the returning quartet and rookies should be cemented as part of the future core.

Question 4: Of the new players added (outside of the rookies) which player should Sam Presti definitely keep as part of the future iteration of the club?

Tamberlyn Richardson – @TTOTambz

Every team needs a glue guy. Someone who’ll bring effort on every play and do the little things that can shift the needle toward winning. Sometimes those players are also stars such as Chris Paul or Kyle Lowry. However, it’s just as frequently a player who supports the stars or is a bench player. Marcus Smart does it for the Celtics, and T.J. McConnell does it for the Pacers.

The Thunder have that player in Kenrich Williams. He’s not as demonstrative as Smart or McConnell but the results are just as compelling. His nickname “Kenny Hustle” reflects the effort he brings to the hardwood.

The presumption is Al Horford will be traded this offseason and the team probably won’t re-sign Mike Muscala. That leaves a veteran leadership hole and while he’s only 26, he’s gained respect from teammates and his effort makes an impact on his young teammates.  Williams offered 8.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists shooting a robust 44.4 percent from deep.

Recalling the past, Nick Collison offered those leadership qualities and embodied the identity of the Thunder. Williams could easily morph into a similar role and should be a player Sam Presti wants to lock down as part of the future core.

Mark Nilon – @MarkNilon_NBA

Again, I’m going with Ty Jerome, and even wrote a full article a few weeks back about why I believe this to be the case:

"Every team needs their fair share of role players and, in this modern league driven by backcourt play and long-range shooting, the youngster has shown the capability of being a quality backup for either the one or even at the two thanks to his 6-5 frame.Already viewed as a diamond in the rough to some, one could say he’s already shown he could be a long-term role player for this rebuilding ball club."

At only 23-years-old, Jerome is already producing at an impressive rate (10.7 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.8 on 42 percent shooting from deep) and could be a solid developmental project for the OKC Thunder backcourt moving forward.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Brandon Dale: @MrOKCtober

I believe Gabriel Deck or Svi Mykhailiuk have the potential to be significant role players moving ahead. These two forwards have shown the ability to produce with limited minutes, and they can score points at a high clip.

Deck’s post presence is something the Thunder have been missing, and Mykhailiuk’s athletism is outstanding. If there is room for both players, they should stay with OKC.

Shontelle Matano: @ShontelleMatano

I believe Sam Presti should keep Kenrich Williams. From his determination, grit, and team-first mentality, he is a representation of the franchise and has made an impact in just a short time.

Looking to the future, I feel like he’ll continue to have a positive impact, setting a great example and influencing the younger guys, especially on defense. When a guy plays as hard as he does, sometimes with little opportunity you know that you’ve got to follow their lead.

Matthew Hallett – @mervsports78

It is Kenrich Williams. He is the effort and hustle every team needs and he gives his all, each and every night on the court. You can coach defense and offense, you cannot coach what Williams brings to the floor every night.