B/R expects OKC Thunder to flirt with playoff return in 2023-24

This week the OKC Thunder learned they’ll be taking the sixth, 16th, and 18th selections in the first round of the NBA Draft.  The NBA Draft occurs on July 29th and until that date, the fan base will be actively invested in rumors hinting at V.P. Sam Presti packaging picks to trade up.

Intentions are already actively looking at these options and that will continue right up until draft night. With the most draft picks in hand of any team in the association over the next seven years there is no need for knee-jerk reactions. But by the same token, it’s fun to play armchair GM and envision precisely how long the rebuild with last.

Let’s face it, as a fanbase we’ve been spoiled. As exciting as it is to dream of adding exciting fresh faces who’ll become the future Thunder juggernaut it’s equally tempting to expedite that process.

 B/R three-year OKC Thunder plan expects a playoff return in 2023-24

To that end, in the recent Bleacher Report article by Greg Swartz, he tackled the three-year plan for each of the 2021 lottery teams. For the OKC Thunder, he envisions a faster return to prominence than arguably many thought possible.

In the present offseason, Swartz doesn’t reinvent the wheel. He suggests using the six draft picks to obtain the best available talent. Likewise, his strategy prioritizes dealing with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s impending rookie extension, expediting a trade for Kemba Walker, and entertaining deals for restricted free agents.

Intentions would suggest placing more emphasis on trading up for a better draft pick, especially into the top three or four. In this narrator’s opinion each of Cade Cunningham,  Jaylen Green, and Evan Mobley will blossom into generational talents (possibly Jalen Suggs too) making that a worthwhile venture. That is a common opinion by many analysts including Intentions writer Mark Nilon. 

In the second year of the plan, Swartz notes Walker will be easier to trade if still on the roster given he’ll be on an expiring deal. He also suggests this would be the season to begin the shift from sellers to buyers with a particular focus on disgruntled superstars.

The most intriguing part of Swartz’s plan for the OKC Thunder kicks in during the third season where he suggests an abrupt upshift:

"More from Thunderous IntentionsStealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC ThunderShould the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absenceAleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injuryDamian Lillard does not fit with the OKC ThunderYear 3, 2023-24The Thunder have probably collected enough young talent on the roster to start flirting with the playoffs and now have the draft ammo to go out and get another star. What team could outbid them at this point?Cap space could also be plentiful with Walker’s $37.7 million deal off the books, unless OKC has flipped him for another overpriced vet in exchange for a pick. It’s a strategy that’s worked brilliantly so far."

As Intentions has repeatedly noted there are so many intangibles when it comes to the draft. Will that pick be projected to be a generational talent and more importantly will they live up to those expectations?

That’s precisely why Swartz’s suggestion to become buyers in year three makes a ton of sense. Whether directly for talent for a stockpile of picks or to facilitate the movement of an unhappy superstar it’s a strategy Sam Presti will need to consider. Besides, two more seasons of tanking isn’t exactly an exciting prospect.

Regardless of the timeline, we’ll be actively invested and hoping the Thunder experience far better luck in the next few NBA Draft lotteries. And hey, perhaps losing more earlier in the season would be wise. That way, the team won’t be in a position where winning the last game of the season will have such a massive impact on the odds seeding.