The Oklahoma City Thunder had the best regular season record in the Western Conference and have only improved. Their young talent keeps getting bettter and OKC added two crucial pieces to help push them to the next level. Sam Presti made arguably the best trade of the offseason as he just keeps adding talent to an already elite group.
The Thunder signed Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency and focused on locking up their talent long-term. They still have an open roster spot but are in no rush to fill it. Oklahoma City wants the added flexibility if a move becomes available during the season.
Several former players are still looking for work. Gordon Hayward and Mike Muscala announced their retirements this offseason and are headed toward new chapters. These players are searching for new teams, but have been unsuccessful so far.
4. Aleksej Pokusevski
The Thunder traded up to draft Poku in 2020. Sam Presti and the front office were high on his massive potential. OKC loves players capable of dribbling, passing, and shooting. Finding seven-foot-tall options is not easy, and Poku had the Thunder dreaming of what could be.
He never reached his ceiling. Pokusevski’s slight frame left him without a position and there were struggles on both ends of the floor. The Thunder’s offense was dismal with him on the floor and his defense was not good enough to make up for it. OKC waived him before the end of his rookie contract.
Poku finished last season with the Charlotte Hornets but remains unsigned. He is only 22 years old and has room to grow, but NBA teams are questioning what his ceiling is at this stage. Poku rated as a replacement level option by VORP last season and there are no signs of a massive leap incoming.
He is not the only former player still on the free agent market in August.