As the OKC Thunder players prepare to begin the franchise’s 14th season the fans are excited to return to watch them live. While the name of the facility is new (the Paycom Center) so is the focus for the season.
Throughout the history of the franchise, the team has only ever suffered three campaigns that didn’t result in a postseason trip. The inaugural season of 2008-09 resulted in a 23-59 finish. Despite posting a winning record of 45-37 in 2014-15 OKC missed the playoffs. Finally, last season 2020-21 was the only other occasion the team failed to reach the postseason.
Like the arena name, the team focus this season is different with the franchise invested in losing. Whether we call it tanking, rebuilding, or restructuring doesn’t matter, the end result is to aim for as many losses as possible in order to win the top draft pick.
With the Thunder not hiding or pretending what the goal is it could make for some tough nights this season. Fortunately, what we can rely on is head coach Mark Daigneault will invest in getting his young roster to improve particularly on the defensive end of the court.
While the next few seasons won’t be easy something Daigneault’s charges will benefit from is facing the elite competition. The experience they gain will reap rewards down the line from the constancy gained.
3 things OKC Thunder fans can cheer for during 2021-22 tank
Leading the way for the OKC Thunder will be defensive specialist Luguentz Dort. Every opposing team’s broadcast team points to his defensive prowess but the media voters have failed to recognize his efforts with a nod to one of the All-Defensive teams. Intentions will keep a close eye on his efforts this season and hope he breaks through with the recognition he deserves.
Thunder Nation will equally be invested in cheering on captain Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who’ll return to the hardwood after an injury-riddled second half of 2021. SGA is getting a ton of early buzz from the national sites who predict he is a solid bet to be in the mix to win Most Improved Player.
ESPN ranked him second behind Nuggets forward, Michael Porter Jr. Vegas oddsmakers listed him in a virtual tie with Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson. Having just made the SI Top 100 list in the 30th spot, the Canadian is poised to deliver a breakout campaign.
With eleven players on the roster aged 23-years old or younger, there will be plenty of room for growth and development. One player who’ll be seeking to show some media members slept on him is the top selection by the Thunder — rookie Josh Giddey. Having played in the NBL professional league Giddey is better suited to adapt quicker than some of his NCAA peers. Landing on an All-Rookie team would be a huge win for the Australian.
Losing is never fun for the players or the fans. But with our eyes set firmly on the future and the hopes of building a perennial contender at least, OKC Thunder will have something to invest in while we build toward that goal.