The Thunder are Rebuilding More Than Talent

The Thunder have been slowly building their culture while they take another step towards competing.

While the Oklahoma City Thunder continue and build off their impressive season, which saw 16 more wins than the season before, they’re building more than just the talent on the squad.

With a superstar like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a young, potential-filled squad, building a proper culture is incredibly important while taking another step towards contention. Of course, talent matters, but so does a culture that allows the talent to mesh and be selfless enough to do whatever it takes to win in this league.

Fortunately, the Thunder seem to have struck gold in hiring head coach Mark Daigneault, who, with help from his staff, has done an incredible job in getting this young squad to buy in and do whatever was needed to win games.

Just a season ago, the Thunder won 24 games and played without key guys consistently. This past season, they tallied 40 wins and won a game in the Play-In Tournament before losing their second play-in game. They did so while rotating injuries and often playing without a proper big man. The team was bought in and they put their bodies on the line and played with a relentless effort, which isn’t always common in young, rebuilding teams.

On top of the team meshing well, Thunder fans have more, individual-based reasons to come and watch games. Back in the day, fans knew they could show up and watch one of Kevin Durant or Russell Westbrook put together an MVP-level performance. The Thunder have that now in Gilgeous-Alexander, who made his first All-Star game this season.

There’s plenty of signature moves that current Thunder players have that fans can come to a game and hope to see. Jaylin Williams and his seemingly gamely “boom” when he knocks down a 3-pointer. Jalen Williams’ dunks. Josh Giddey and his wizardly passes. And, of course, Lu Dort and his signature “Dorture Chamber.”

Not only does this young team play relentless, unified basketball, they each of their own individual contributions that builds a fun, young college-like atmosphere that draws in more viewers and gives the team personality behind it.

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