OKC Thunder: Gilgeous-Alexander and More Headline Untouchables
The special agents of the United States who took down Al Capone's crime syndicate, the Chicago Outfit, were nicknamed "The Untouchables" due to their refusal to accept any bribes from the organization.
And the OKC Thunder front office might operate similarly regarding any trade offers for four of their best players: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren.
An explanation is hardly needed for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder star has turned into one of the top players in the entire league, and should only continue to get better from here.
He's coming off 31.4 points per game last season, where he shot the ball extremely well and was one of the best players in the league at getting to the foul line and converting his free throws.
Gilgeous-Alexander's shot creation and scoring ability is rivaled by only a select few players, while also playing some of the best defense at the guard position in the league.
Oklahoma City has absolutely no reason to trade him, nor will the franchise consider it with him being under contract for the foreseeable future. Gilgeous-Alexander is the franchise player and leader the team needs for its rebuild to be a success.
Next is Josh Giddey. A year ago, most would not have listed Giddey as an untouchable, but after his 2022-23 campaign, he is one of Oklahoma City's most important players.
The 20-year-old is already one of the NBA's smartest and most skilled players. Giddey's passing vision and knowledge of the game is sometimes unbelievable, constantly showing up on the highlight reel for a blink-and-you-miss-it-play.
While not an elite scorer yet, Giddey has shown the potential to be one after increasing his points per game average by from 12.5 to 16.6. He went from a project 3-point shooter to a respectable one, and is a fantastic scorer inside the paint.
His defense is the question mark, but with his offensive talents and great defenders that surround him, Giddey is a surefire untouchable.
One of last season's strongest rookies, Jalen Williams, already has cemented himself as a potential franchise cornerstone.
Three-year college players usually are unlikely to blossom into stars, but Williams has proved that experience can have a huge impact on a player's career.
The forward averaged 14.1 points per game on 52% shooting and shot 35% from three, which is more efficient than plenty of rookies. Williams is yet again another Thunder player who is elite at attacking the basket, but he can score from anywhere on the court.
Williams' is only listed at 6-foot-6, but his wingspan and frame allows him to matchup well with both players his height and players way above.
He is a perfect piece to pair alongside Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey, and it will be interesting to see his sophomore year progression.
Now for Chet Holmgren.
Calling a player who missed his rookie season due to injury and has yet to play an NBA game an untouchable might be bold, but Holmgren has all but proven he can be an incredible player.
Even with some injury concerns and questions about his size, the potential for Holmgren far outweighs the negatives. His offensive capabilities are impressive for his height of 7-foot-1, and has drawn comparisons from the former Thunder superstar, Kevin Durant.
Holmgren has about every offensive weapon in his tool, from the post to the 3-point line. His defense is also just as exciting, with the potential to be one of the league's best shot-blockers, showcasing his skill with five blocks against the Pacers in his final Summer League game.
Want to join the discussion? Like Inside the Thunder on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest Thunder news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.
