The OKC Thunder open their season against the Denver Nuggets this Thursday night.
After winning 57 games and earning the top seed in the Western Conference standings in 2023-24, all eyes are on Oklahoma City as they now look to take the leap from rising young squad to legitimate contender.
Though they are unanimously seen as a serious threat to take home the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2024-25, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the club that need answers, some of which may need to come sooner rather than later. Let’s explore those now.
Thunder questions in serious need of answers
1. Can Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein play together?
The Thunder masterfully poached Isaiah Hartenstein from the New York Knicks during free agency, snatching him up with a lucrative $87 million offer.
The big man is a superb rim protector and playmaker who theoretically solves OKC’s rebounding, size, and screening issues. On paper, his addition is a game-changer for the minutes when Chet Holmgren rests, but will they find a way to effectively share the court?
Both players are versatile defenders with the mobility to either anchor the pick-and-roll or act as a weak-side rim protector. Unfortunately, defense is not the concern with this tandem.
Spacing will be the key because Oklahoma City's drive-heavy offense can't afford to vie against a packed paint.
We already know that Holmgren is a 3-point threat since he shot 37.0 percent on 4.3 attempts per game last season. However, his shot looked flat by the time the playoffs rolled around due to exhaustion, and he struggled mightily to knock down triples in high-pressure moments.
Meanwhile, Hartenstein has worked all summer with Chip Engelland to add a 3-point shot to his arsenal. Unfortunately, however, he went 0-for-1 across 53 preseason minutes, which is not an encouraging sign.
If the spacing stays afloat with Holmgren and Hartenstein on the court, then OKC will have a strong counter against bigger lineups from Minnesota, Denver, Memphis, and Los Angeles.
2. Does Jalen Williams make a year-three leap?
Jalen Williams averaged 19.1 points per game during his sophomore season, and his efficiency really stood out. According to Synergy Sports, J-Dub ranked in the 85th percentile for points per catch-and-shoot jumper and the 87th percentile for points per dribble jumper.
Additionally, he joined Kevin Durant as the only forwards last season to clear 60.0 percent shooting in the paint, 45.0 percent from midrange, and 40.0 percent on triples.
Williams is a true three-level scorer, but questions must be answered about his immediate ability to be a bonafide second option on a championship team. He struggled to create off the bounce last postseason, and that cannot happen again if the Thunder want to beat a team like Boston.
3. How good will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander be in an optimal environment?
Non-shooting teammates are a killer for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander because he needs space to drive. Dallas exploited Josh Giddey’s shooting woes during the playoffs by completely sagging off of him and packing the paint.
Opponents no longer have that option now that Giddey plays for Chicago.
The sole rotational non-shooter on the roster is Isaiah Hartenstein, but his bone-crushing screens will create huge driving lanes for SGA. Because he’s involved in the primary action, it’s not even remotely as harmful as Giddey playing off-ball.
Plus, is the 3-point shot legit? The superstar has been cooking recently on pull-up treys, and his catch-and-shoot form looks smooth. If he becomes an above-average 3-point shooter this season, look out!
4. Who between Dillon Jones or Ousmane Dieng will win the backup forward spot?
The Thunder need frontcourt help with Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams starting the season injured. Even when healthy, though, OKC could still use another big-bodied forward off the bench.
Ousmane Dieng is already familiar with the system, and he’s four inches taller than Dillon Jones. However, the rookie plays far above his height and actually operates more like a power forward than Dieng based on play style.
Jones should be the frontrunner because of his superior rebounding and playmaking chops. Those premier skills may give him the edge.
5. Who fills the final roster spot?
The Thunder have an open roster spot that could be filled in a variety of ways. Robert Covington is a veteran 3-and-D player who might still have some juice left in the tank.
Saving the spot for a potential move at the trade deadline is another viable option. Perhaps Presti targets a reserve center or power forward to complete the roster. OKC could also convert Ajay Mitchell’s contract and sign him to a standard minimum deal.
Whatever the Thunder do, they have options and don’t need to rush any decisions.
6. Did Sam Presti find a steal in Ajay Mitchell?
Sam Presti selected Ajay Mitchell with the 38th overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, and he appears to be a steal so far. Thanks to his smooth play, interior scoring, and impressive playmaking, the rookie clearly seemed like he belonged in the NBA throughout the preseason.
While Mitchell will certainly be buried on the depth chart during this upcoming campaign, he should provide excellent point guard depth. He's currently on a two-way contract, so OKC converting him to a cheap long-term contract at some point may be a very wise move.