Can the OKC Thunder Compete for a Championship This Season?

After a hot 10-4 start to the 2023-24 regular season, the Oklahoma City Thunder may already be one of the top competitors in the Western Conference.

Just two seasons ago, the Oklahoma City Thunder was in the beginning stages of a long-term rebuild, finishing the 2021-22 season with a 24-58 record. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander began to establish himself as an All-Star caliber player, Josh Giddey played his rookie season, and the Thunder had its eyes set on the NBA Draft. 

After adding the likes of Jalen Williams and rookies Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace, Oklahoma City now finds itself in third place in the Western Conference with a 10-4 record. 

Of course, it's very early into the season and several drastic changes could occur until April, but the Thunder roster looks complete and ready to be a real playoff contender in the West. 

Gilgeous-Alexander is playing his way into another season of MVP contention, averaging 29.6 points, 5.8 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game on 53% shooting from the field. The first key to being a championship-contending team is having a superstar player, which Gilgeous-Alexander certainly is. 

The next highest-scoring player on the Thunder this season is Jalen Williams, who is averaging 17.5 points per game on another efficient 51 shooting percentage. The sophomore is a perfect fit at the forward position, impacting the game from every aspect and becoming a reliable scorer. 

Giddey's season campaign has been a little dicey thus far, struggling to shoot the ball in several of Oklahoma City's 14 games played. However, he is still averaging a respectable 12.4 points, 4.7 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game, using his unique skillset to impact the game in multiple ways, similarly to Williams. Giddey is a very talented playmaker, which has been apart of why the Thunder offense has been so successful.

How about the rookies?

Well, amazing is the easiest way to put it. Both Holmgren and Wallace have been exceptional so far this season, each making a considerable impact on the roster.

Holmgren is averaging 17 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game on 56% shooting from the field and an impressive 46% shooting from 3-point range, easily placing himself in the forefront of the Rookie of the Year conversation. The center's offensive game is so unique for his size, being able to shoot from anywhere on the court while towering over most defenders. Holmgren's defense is just as special, already becoming one of the league's best shot blockers. 

Wallace has been a little more under-the-radar, but is still having an impressive rookie season. He's averaging just 7.3 points per game, but is doing so on 62% shooting from the field and 54% from deep. Wallace is one of the NBA's most efficient offensive players, and is a smart player for his age in knowing the smartest shots to take. 

From then on, the supporting cast is well-rounded from top to bottom. 

Luguentz Dort is the perfect glue guy for the Thunder's starting lineup, finally progressing into a true three-and-D player. He's averaging 11.7 points per game on by far his best shooting from behind the arc in his career, at 46%. Isaiah Joe is the definition of a 6th man, coming off the bench and providing a spark for the Oklahoma City offense with 10.3 points per game on 50% shooting from three on 5.6 attempts. 

It's hard to say if all of this will sustain itself over the course of the season, but there is a real possibility Oklahoma City could find itself amongst the best of the Western Conference heading into the playoffs. 

The Thunder may be young, but its lack of experience won't affect itself as much as other young teams. Gilgeous-Alexander is at the point in his career where he can lead a team to a deep playoff run, and the Oklahoma City youth are largely ahead of their age in knowledge of the NBA game. 

Making its way into the NBA Finals this season is probably unlikely, but it can certainly compete. With further development and potential moves by the deadline, the Thunder could arrive much sooner than many expected. 

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