Josh Giddey is the Catalyst Behind Oklahoma City's Offensive Rhythm

Oklahoma City's media attention is ramping up as the season is just days from tipping off.

It sure feels like 2011.

The vibes in Oklahoma City are sky high and the team's young core has landed on the cover of SLAM, a prominent basketball magazine. Before, it was Jeff Green, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Now, it's the Thunder's projected starting five, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren.

After a surprising appearance in the NBA's play-in tournament a season ago, Oklahoma City seems destined for a playoff run — a place where the franchise spent so many years before its two-season-long rebuild.

What's the catalyst for the Thunder's rapid rise and projected success? Of course, it's Gilgeous-Alexander, who vaulted his name into the MVP conversation a season ago. He's the reason for the steep raising of the team's ceiling and is the engine that makes this team go.

But offensively, even Gilgeous-Alexander knows where the creativity starts. Josh Giddey is one of the most unique point guards in the NBA, and his game has helped the Thunder develop a true offensive identity.

"I’m gonna give you the answer right now—it’s Josh Giddey,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in SLAM's article to go along with the coolest front cover photo you'll see this year. “When you have a passer like that, it’s inevitable.

“I’m being dead serious. A lot of it is Josh. He’ll find you if you’re open. So get open.”

Giddey is known for throwing unbelievable passes all over the court, whether it's from the sideline out-of-bounds or looping off the pick-and-roll. His vision and willingness to pass the rock have opened up the floor so much for the Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander, who's mostly an isolation player, has added a new dimension to his game because of how creative Giddey is offensively.

Oklahoma City has created offense by movement off the ball and backdoor cuts, which is why finding the right personnel has been so critical to the rebuild. Williams has turned into an elite slasher in just one year and will help the Thunder immensely this season.

"Especially since I got into the NBA, a lot of it has been tailored toward playing off of who’s on the court,” Williams says. “If I’m out there with them, a lot of it is reading stuff,” he says about his high-profile teammates. “Where am I going to cut from or where I’m going to get open shots from? Other than that, it’s just kind of, like, going downhill.”

Now that Giddey finally has a top-tier big man in Holmgren, his game is set to take off. Holmgren unlocks a new dimension to the Thunder's offense, specifically in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop aspect. Giddey will certainly benefit from his talented skill set.

He will never need the points or the recognition of his game, as long as his teammates are involved and his team is winning. His stock could soar this season.

“It feels good to make other [teammates] feel good,” Giddey said.

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