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2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder: A quick preview

cyro asseo de choch
·2 min read
Dec 14, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) walks to the bench with forwards Chet Holmgren (7) and Jalen Williams (8) and guard Luguentz Dort (second from right) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) walks to the bench with forwards Chet Holmgren (7) and Jalen Williams (8) and guard Luguentz Dort (second from right) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised to lead the Western Conference, capitalizing on their strong core and strategic new additions. With Isaiah Hartenstein joining to strengthen the center position alongside Chet Holmgren, and Alex Caruso enhancing the perimeter defense, the Thunder have addressed key areas needed to support their young and talented roster.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, following an MVP-worthy season, continues to be the pivotal figure for the Thunder, with his exceptional play driving the team's ambitions. Supported by Jalen Williams and the rapidly developing Holmgren, Oklahoma City not only aims to dominate the regular season but also make a deep playoff run. Mark Daigneault, last year's Coach of the Year, has versatile lineup options to adapt to various matchups, boosting the team's competitive edge.

The Thunder are no longer a team flying under the radar – they’re the favorites to win the West and potentially challenge the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Depth chart

The team has a total payroll of $164,222,399 for the 2024-25 season, ranking them 26th in the NBA.

Roster changes

Returning: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Ousmane Dieng, Jaylin Williams, Adam Flagler

Additions: Isaiah Hartenstein (New York), Alex Caruso (Chicago), Nikola Topic (Crvena Zvezda), Dillon Jones (Weber State), Alex Reese (Rip City), Ajay Mitchell (UC-Santa Barbara), Alex Ducas (St. Mary's)

Departures: Josh Giddey (Chicago), Lindy Waters III (Golden State), Gordon Hayward (retired), Mike Muscala (retired), Bismacl Biyombo, Keyontae Johnson, Olivier Sarr

Main strengths

Oct 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault signals to players during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Oct 7, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault signals to players during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images

* Deep and young roster with versatile lineup options for various matchups.

* Projected top five in both offensive and defensive rating, highlighting balance and efficiency.

* Strengthened the center position, improving both rim protection and offensive rebounding.

* Enhanced perimeter defense with new additions, bolstering the team's defensive versatility.

* Improved three-point shooting with key acquisitions, addressing previous weaknesses in perimeter offense.

Main weaknesses

* Uncertainty in how new pieces will fit together, particularly in the starting lineup.

* Lack of shooting from key players in past playoff runs could still be a concern.

* Center position depth could be tested if injuries occur, despite recent improvements.

* Managing high expectations may be challenging for the young roster.

Prediction

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 07: Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder blocks the shot of Jeremy Sochan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of a preseason game at Frost Bank Center on October 7, 2024 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

HoopsHype: 1st in the Northwest Division, 1st in the Western Conference

ESPN: 1st in the Northwest Division, 1st in the Western Conference

Sportsbooks: 57.5 projected wins

HoopsHype compiled the consensus win averages by gathering win projections from eight sportsbooks, including FanDuel, Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Caesars, and bet365

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder: A quick preview