It's hard to believe that it's only been four months since OKC Thunder fans last saw their favorite franchise take to the hardwood for in-game action -- to many, it feels as if it's been a millennium.
What's perhaps more perplexing, albeit far more exciting to comprehend is that the organization is just over a month away from returning to the court for the start of the 2024-25 season.
Following a Cinderella Story-esque run in 2023-24 that saw Oklahoma City rattle off 57 wins, become the youngest team in league history to claim a number one seed in a conference standings, and clinch their first semifinal berth in nearly a decade, expectations are high heading into this follow-up campaign.
Add these recent top-flight successes to the fact that Sam Presti and company had arguably the best offseason in the entire NBA what with the key additions of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, which addressed the club's biggest weaknesses in frontcourt size and backcourt shooting, respectively, and not only are the Thunder seen as a promising young squad but, also, a legitimate contender.
Because of the hype and enthusiasm surrounding the franchise, their faithful followers are champing at the bit during these latter days of the offseason, just waiting to see their boys in blue and orange make their way to Denver for October 24's season opener against the Nuggets.
And while they still have several weeks to go before witnessing such a happening, recently, via Instagram, OKC star Chet Holmgren provided fans with an early look at both him and Jalen Williams repping the team's threads for what is likely a media-based film session for in-game jumbotron graphics, local television spots, among other uses.
Chet Holmgren shares photo of him, Jalen Williams in Thunder threads
Chet Holmgren & Jalen Williams back in uniform: pic.twitter.com/yda1Aryqf7
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 12, 2024
The young stud duo may also be taking part in behind-the-scene prep work for the recently announced Thunder Fan Fest, which is set to be held on October 6 at Scissortail Park.
On top of the excitement surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his current status of being one of the frontrunners for the 2024-25 NBA MVP award, many eyes will be on the likes Holmgren and J-Dub taking the expected next steps forward in their young yet already promising careers, with some predicting All-Star and All-NBA nods could very well be waiting for them.
The big man's post serves as a mere preview for what will be in store in 2024-25, and Thunder fans will continue to count down the days leading up to game one.