The OKC Thunder may have been quite a busy group this summer, but so, too, were many of their past members.
Over the last several months, a number of players who at one point in their careers referred to Oklahoma City as home were seen on the move en route toward new beginnings with new teams.
With these migrations come fresh opportunities for these individuals to start anew and, to some, put recent hardships and struggles to rest as they look to have a strong showing in 2024-25.
Of the many ex-Thunder talents who swapped jerseys this summer, there are a few, in particular, who could realistically find themselves thriving during the upcoming campaign.
Former Thunder Player No. 1) Steven Adams
Since departing from the Thunder via trade during the summer of 2020, Steven Adams has regularly found himself putting forth consistently sound seasons while suiting up for the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies, respectively.
Though not a star in the technical sense, with his rebounding expertise, underrated passing abilities, and overall knowledge of how to use his behemoth size (6-foot-10, 250 pounds) to his advantage on the court, the 31-year-old is someone who stars in his role as a starting pivot.
While some may have forgotten this truth over the past 18 months as the big man has been sidelined due to a nagging knee ailment, during what is presumed to be his first active season as a member of the Houston Rockets, many are likely to be reminded.
Steven Adams won't be denied the board 😤
— NBA (@NBA) January 2, 2023
Pulling it down with one hand and jamming home the putback! He's got 20 REB on the night!@memgrizz lead in Q4 on the NBA App!https://t.co/0rrSPxPfsy pic.twitter.com/460uTZybBF
One of the premier rebounders, particularly on the offensive glass, that this league has to offer, since the 2017-18 campaign Adams has ripped down an average of 9.6 boards (4.5 offensive) per game and boasts an offensive rebound percentage of 16.0 during this span.
Last season, the Rockets proved themselves to be one of the most effective clubs in this part of the game, as they ranked sixth in offensive boards (11.5) and third in total rebounds (45.5) per game
Now, with Adams' arrival, his teaming up with stud big Alperen Sengun down in the frontcourt will only strengthen their already elite efforts on the glass, while his rock-solid screen-setting, paint-protecting, and underappreciated distribution skills (has dished out 4.6 assists per 100 possessions over the last four years) will quickly endear himself to the likes of his new teammates (especially Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green) and the Houston fanbase as a whole.