OKC Thunder Set to Contend in Western Conference Gauntlet
The Oklahoma City Thunder should look like a drastically different team next season, for the better.
The insertion of No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren into their front court is among the biggest shake ups, bolstering their interior presence on both ends of the court, as well as their 3-point shooting and general size too.
There’s also been the additions of tenth overall pick Cason Wallace out of Kentucky and Vasilije Micic from overseas, both of which add real depth to OKC’s already-strong lineup of guards.
And there’s even more to point to as to why OKC will be even better than they were last season. But similarly to year’s past, the Western Conference is set to be a gauntlet, maybe now more than ever before.
It’s already chock full with proven teams who will see continuity: the defending champion Denver Nuggets, the Cinderella story Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers, who made the Western Conference Finals and retained key pieces in the offseason.
It’s also got some star-laden squads who, with healthy seasons, could easily make pushes for the title. The Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers make up that group.
There’s also the group OKC will likely be vying for position with, something around the Timberwolves, Pelicans and maybe even the Grizzlies, who won’t see star Ja Morant for a chunk of the season and who could need a boost with some roster turnover.
And finally, we have the underdogs. Teams that aren’t pegged to make any noise, but could very still do so via a variety of stars. The Trail Blazers should Damian Lillard remain on the team. The Jazz yet again with Lauri Markkanen or even the revamped Spurs or Rockets.
Regardless, Oklahoma City is going to have their hands full in the West next season.
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