The OKC Thunder are coming off one of their best seasons in recent history. They claimed the number one seed in a loaded Western Conference and became the youngest team ever to win a playoff series.
The ceiling for this team is unbelievably high, and now is the time to capitalize.
Despite their magical season, Oklahoma City had one major flaw. At the conclusion of the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Thunder ranked 27th overall in rebounding.
For a team trying to contend for an NBA Championship, rebounding numbers like that are just not going to cut it.
The OKC Thunder must add more help to their frontcourt rotation
Chet Holmgren had a fantastic rookie season but the gaps in his game were exposed. He simply does not have the build to battle in the paint with some of the stronger centers.
With that being said, Holmgren led the team in rebounds per game last season at just 7.9.
Following the Thunder’s moves on draft night, selecting guard Nikola Topić 12th overall and forward Dillon Jones 26th overall, it is clear they want an established center rather than a project.
Going into the 2024 NBA Offseason the Thunder have roughly $35 million in spending power.
This gives them flexibility not just in the free agency market but in the trade market as well. They have the ability to take on a bigger contract in a deal, really opening up their options.
Additionally, with all of the draft capital they have to play with, Oklahoma City can have their pick of the crop when it comes to bringing in an enforcer to help out at the center position.
These eight players would make an immediate impact for the Thunder if the team were to bring them in this summer. They won’t be getting pushed around in the paint and would surely shoot the Thunder up the ranks in the rebounding category.