Early in the season, the OKC Thunder came out at a dead sprint, starting 24-1 and looking like an all-time dominant force.
While coach Mark Daigneault's squad had its sights set on another ring, the front office had a wild card in its back pocket that could potentially send Oklahoma City out on a dynastic run regardless of this season's playoff outcome.
Recent events, however, may have just spoiled that ace in the hole.
Saga between Thunder and Clippers is still alive and well
After a December loss to the Thunder, the Los Angeles Clippers fell to 6-21. Star player Kawhi Leonard had already missed 10 of 27 games to start the year, and LA was in danger of disappearing into oblivion.
The news was music to the Thunder's ears. As the owner of LA's 2026 first-round draft pick, OKC had its sights set on possibly landing one of the top-tier studs in the upcoming draft class. Names like A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson were murmured throughout Thunder camp.
Fast forward to mid-March, and the possibility of landing a franchise-altering player in June has all but dissipated.
With a blowout win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, the Clips are now 33-32. Such an accomplishment is the first of its kind, as they are the only team in league history to achieve a winning record after being 15 games under .500 at any point of the season.
With their improbable run, Los Angeles has positioned itself as the eighth seed in the West and is threatening to make a run at a top-six spot.
Now, barring a miracle, OKC will be lucky if it snags a late lottery pick.
Finding a late gem will be tough for Thunder, but not impossible
While missing out on a top spot is disappointing, especially after LA's abysmal start, the hunt for their next star player is still alive and well.
Current franchise cornerstone Jalen Williams was drafted 12th overall behind players like Johnny Davis, Jeremy Sochan, and Ousmane Dieng, while superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was drafted 11th by the Clippers before being shipped off to OKC.
With teams swinging and missing on selections every year, there will be an opportunity to grab value no matter where the Thunder are slated to pick.
Regardless, the majority of their team is still under contract heading into next season, and anything Sam Presti takes in June will simply be icing on the orange-and-blue cake.