Derek Parker

Derek Parker

Joined: Apr 24, 2024

Derek Parker covers the National Basketball Association and has brought On SI five seasons of coverage across several different teams. He graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2020 and has experience working in print, video, and radio.

Jan 19, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) brings the ball up court against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Jan 21, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) goest up for shot after stealing the ball from he Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

Jan 17, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) dribbles the basketball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Feb 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault gestures to his team during a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Feb 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain (3) gestures after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

OKC's newest sharpshooter is off to a hot start.

Mar 1, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts to a foul call during the second half against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

News

Oklahoma City is set to take on Chicago undermanned Tuesday.

Feb 3, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center/forward Isaiah Hartenstein (55) gestures to his team after a play against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

Oklahoma City's frontcourt is anchored by three highly versatile players.

Feb 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams reacts after his team scores against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

When two of OKC's best contributors could make their return to play.

Feb 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder Head Coach Mark Daigneault gestures to an official before a play against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

Oklahoma City will face off against Dallas on Sunday night.

Jan 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) gestures to teammates in the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

News

There was plenty of surprising news for both OKC and Denver.

Feb 3, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center/forward Isaiah Hartenstein (55) shoots a free throw against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

OKC has seen one of its lengthiest and most consequential injury reports yet.

Feb 12, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) and guard Alex Caruso (9) high five after a play against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

News

Oklahoma City has grabbed two of its biggest wins of the season in the last few days.

Feb 14, 2026; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Dailyn Swain (3) dribbles the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half of the game at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City selected two older players in a recent mock draft.

Jan 29, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault calls a time out against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

An Oklahoma City All-Star has been added to the injury report.

Feb 3, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots over Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City will be without several of its top players.

Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Team All-Star center Chet Holmgren (7) of the Oklahoma City Thunder competes in the shooting stars competition during the 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Oklahoma City keeping the No. 1 seed in the West could be vital to its postseason plans.