TBT: Oklahoma City Thunder

2021 Finish: 34-48

Season Highlight: Number 1 Draft Pick

The emergence of Anthony Edwards was a shining light in a rather lacklustre showing for the Thunder. With a team that under-delivered, Edwards was exceptional. His season proved to be a lift for the team � early in the season they suffered numerous losses and caused many in the NSL community to scratch their heads. The chemistry that seemed destined to occur did not. Edwards was exceptional. His production increased as the season progressed and GM Wizkid was singing his praises all season long.

Edwards will only get better. That�s the even better thing for the Thunder. While he showed his magic in a dreary season, his ability to be a world-beater could be on show very soon. With a more consistent rotation and lineup, the Thunder could unleash Edwards very soon, leading to huge adjustment on their record.

Season Lowlight: A Season To Forget

OKC could not catch a break. They were behind the 8-ball from the beginning. The season ran away from them quick, and they were left behind the pack. The team on paper looked the business. But as game after game went by, the OKC Thunder saw themselves in a position that many did not predict.

A slight rebound was seen but it was a case of too little too late, as the Thunder slumped into 12^th in the West. The talents that were heralded as strong pickups did not work out.

Was it a case of too early�?

Was it too much young developing talent?

In any case, it seems as though the NSL community is waiting to see if this team can show what they can do when they finally gel. And when they do it could be startling!

Best Trade:

With the acquisition of Anthony Edwards, the move to acquire assets for Hayward was a clever decision by the Thunder Head Office. Brining in Christian Wood, a player for the future, was a worthwhile addition and will be a big tick for the organisation. GM Wizkid would later use Fournier in a trade which acquired Kemba Walker and Seth Curry and an improved draft pick via a swap. Wood has already proven himself to be an exceptional talent both in NBA and NSL. It will be exciting to see his continued improvement for years to come. While short term the move didn�t necessarily pay dividends, the long term impact will be fruitful.

Worst Trade:

The OKC Thunder did not make a bad trade in my eyes. They were methodical and meticulous in their approach to list management. They worked the trade space to improve their roster depth and draft depth for years to come. In a perfect world the moves would have seen instantaneous impact, but sadly this wasn�t to be. You can see by the notable trades below that the Thunder positioned themselves either on an even or improved side of the scales when making deals in 20-21. GM Wizkid should be congratulated for his steely reserve when making movements for the future.

Other Notable Trades:

 
Free Agency:

Entering into Free Agency, one cannot be fooled by the record of the OKC Thunder from last year. They still have a seriously talented squad. They have only become better. With their squad including the names of Christian Wood, Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards, and guard depth including Seth Curry, Devonte Graham (RFA), and Kevin Huerter, the Thunder have many moving parts that could make the basis of a solid roster. They have room to bring in another piece to round out the roster.

The likes of LaMarcus Aldridge (FA) and Kemba Walker (FA) will be in the free agency discussion.

The shifting of pieces will be interesting to see.

Does GM Wizkid back his list?

Does GM Wizkid seek other acquisitions to strength his roster?

 
Twinning!

We alluded to the fact that the Thunder could put teams on notice in 21-22, and that is because of their moving parts. The mechanics of the Thunder team primarily revolve around their strength at the PF and C. Wood and Randle could build an imposing and athletic backcourt duo that causes teams to panic. They are both young and can play both ends. Randle is now a name that is to be feared and the emergence of Wood is becoming more of a reality as the games progress.

Entering into the season with an improving and more revered Anthony Edwards, the twin combination will be imperative. Edwards will sky-rocket. We know that he will take over and the engines love him. He is a no.1 draft pick and a justified one, and 2k loves no.1 darling.

Wood and Randle have a serious opportunity to bounce off each other and open up teams that utilise a predicable tall man setup. As they start the season, Wood is currently 83, and Randle 87. Thunder up!

Not a question of IF, a question of WHEN they gel.

Looking Ahead: 

Do not sleep on the Oklahoma City Thunder!

This team is prepared for an exceptional season in 21-22. The GM Wizkid has made the moves from last season into this that will be incredibly impactful.

The Thunder will not repeat their last season. The Free Agency will be the real teller. As the office tries to work things out, the question is� do they have the core to compete.

With the improvements of key players and the usage of key rotational players, the Thunder will be immense.
Wood and Randle could be the most feared big duo in the league.

Edwards could prove the haters wrong and make use of his ROY snub as fuel.

OKC will excite!

OKC will return!

OKC means business!