Oklahoma City's Young Stars Dominating FIBA Adds Excitement to Upcoming Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder exceeded all expectations a season ago. The youngest team in the NBA proved to be the best surprise in the league, too. Even without Chet Holmgren, the young core made an improbable late run to qualify for the play-in and reach 40 wins.

The Thunder’s 2022-23 momentum has now carried over into the summer, as the team’s young stars are continuing to put the basketball world on notice. Holmgren and Jalen Williams starred in Summer League before accepting invites to train with Team USA — where both players have excelled. And now, with FIBA basketball in full stride, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are taking over, picking up right where they left off. Lu Dort and Jack White are contributing big minutes for their respective countries, too. It’s a summer full of Thunder players improving and showcasing the team’s boatload of talent.

After a slow start, and not playing much in Canada’s opening exhibition, Gilgeous-Alexander turned it on for his national team. Against Germany, the Thunder star recorded 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists. He started the game just one-for-eight, but caught fire when Canada needed it most. In the game before, a win over New Zealans, he poured in 26 points, three assists and six steals on 9-of-12 shooting. It’s safe to say the All-NBA First Team member hasn’t lost a step.

Lu Dort’s 11 points and two steals helped Team Canada against New Zealand too, as he’s learning how to play with different styles of players. He’s been in Canada’s closing lineups and has been one of the team’s most important players on the defensive end.

Giddey’s first game with Team Australia was the story of the week, as he was the clear best player on the floor. In just 24 minutes, the Thunder point guard tallied 14 points, nine assists, eight rebounds on 5-of-7 shooting and a plus-29. Jack White scored four points and eight rebounds for the national team, too.

Williams and Holmgren have been putting together highlight after highlight in the squad scrimmages with Team USA. The pair has received glowing reviews from everyone involved, and they seem to be in a strong spot heading into the season.

It’s a promising sign to see Thunder players starring for their own respective teams. Each player fits into a different role on the Thunder, but the international experience is invaluable for the young core. It should be a welcoming sight for Thunder fans watching Giddey take on the role of a No. 1 option, and will be a pleasure to watch him work together with Gilgeous-Alexander after adding to his offensive arsenal this offseason.

If this summer is any indication, Oklahoma City is in for a treat during the upcoming season.

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