It's officially Thanksgiving, a time to show gratitude and appreciation for the good that life brings. For the top-seeded and overall surging OKC Thunder, it's quite apparent that they have a ton to be thankful for in 2024-25.
From superstars continuing to progress to hidden gems stepping up, this Oklahoma City squad has had its fair share of good fortunes through these first two months of action. However, it could be argued that the positive results of their campaign aren't even what the franchise should be most grateful for.
Realistically, the struggles of a particular Eastern Conference organization could be argued as being what's most cherished during this holiday season.
Through 17 games played, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves serving as a cellar dweller out in the Eastern Conference standings with their putrid record of 3-14.
Not only is this a mightily unfortunate start to the year for the ball club, as they came in tabbed as a legitimate title threat after signing All-Star Paul George in free agency and formulating a new studly trio with him, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid, but their lackluster success only increases the odds of them forfeiting their projected high-end lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
And where might their draft rights be sent? To the OKC Thunder, of course!
Thunder thankful for Sixers' struggles as 2025 lottery pick hangs in limbo
As many are likely well aware, the Thunder possess a treasure chest of future draft capital that genuinely rivals any other organization's collection throughout league history.
One of the picks within their collection is Philadelphia's 2025 first-rounder, which was acquired in the Al Horford trade back during the 2020 offseason.
At the time, the objective for the Sixers was to rid themselves in any way possible of the remaining three seasons left on the big's, then, four-year, $109 million deal following a tragically underwhelming stint out in the City of Brotherly Love.
Now, five years later, the franchise finds itself en route toward potentially regretting this desperation deal, as they are currently projected to land the second pick in this June's festivities.
What bodes well for Philly is the fact that their pick is top-six protected, meaning that if they were to actually stay at this spot come draft night they would hold onto their rights. The pick then be rolled over to 2026 with top-four protections.
However, it's important to realize that this lowly turnout thus far into the season has, in large, been a result of the lack of availability from hobbled stars Paul George and Joel Embiid, who have played a combined 12 games with only four seeing them suit up alongside one another.
Out in the objectively weak Eastern Conference, there's no doubt that this 76ers team will wind up rattling off more wins as the season progresses and, in turn, raise their status in the standings.
However, at over 10 games below .500 and with their recently leaked team meeting, one could make the case that the uphill battle back to relevancy may be too steep for Philadelphia, which may only improve the odds that the Thunder end up claiming the potential lottery pick for themselves.