Amid the flurry of early-season injuries, the OKC Thunder have fought through adversity to jump out to a 6-2 record. They're doing it without key pieces like Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Chet Holmgren, all of whom are out with long-term injuries.
With that being said, a silver lining has begun to form, and it could result in the franchise extending their dynasty window.
After an initial learning curve, young Thunder players have stepped up in a big way. As a result, OKC could continue its longstanding history of finding value where other franchises can't.
Bennet Stirtz, Aday Mara, Josh Dix, and Micah Peavy have all arguably seen more minutes than intended. All of them have shown growth and a potential upside that could once again help the Thunder become one of the deepest teams in the league.
Thunder are being forced to develop depth options amid injuries
Though it may not have been the primary objective heading into the season, the Thunder are now in a position to develop their rookies and other young role players, hopefully turning a few of them into promising (and cheap) contributors who can produce for years to come.
OKC's depletion of depth from last year to present has been obvious, but the aforementioned youngsters may not lack talent. Perhaps they simply lack experience.
Bennett Stirtz is quickly becoming the poster boy for this growth. After scoring just two points in his first three games combined, he has quickly found his groove. Over the past three games, he is averaging 12.0 points in 20.0 minutes on the floor. Even more impressive, he is shooting 58.8 percent from three over that span.
Mara has been equally impressive, demonstrating his versatility as a defender, scorer, and playmaker as a seven-footer.
Thunder youngsters could provide franchise with future flexibility
With the franchise heading toward various financial restrictions in the coming years, this extra development could pay off significantly when GM Sam Presti is forced to make some tough decisions. Fans are already seeing the effect of those decisions. Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe all departed after being deemed "non-essential" to a team attempting to duck under the second apron.
Any future decisions may become much easier to make if Presti has quality role players on rookie contracts in his back pocket.
It's no secret that the trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren will dominate the payroll for the next few seasons, and it's Presti's job to surround them with complementary talent. Having players who are both cheap and at the dawn of their careers will be a cheat code as second-apron demands continue to make their mark on the NBA.
Though the Oklahoma City fanbase would've loved to see Jalen Williams and others have their way with the rest of the league, they can take solace in the fact that, next year, the franchise might be in an even better position thanks to all of the extended absences..
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