Two OKC Thunder Players Land in Top 50 Ranking

A popular basketball media personality released his top 50 players in the NBA yesterday, slotting two of Oklahoma City's young stars on the list.

After last season's performance, the Oklahoma City Thunder were showered with praise by many different media members over the offseason.

Though OKC sits at just 6-4 in its first 10 games, fans and observers of the Thunder are still optimistic, especially when considering the team's youth. That optimism hasn't slowed in the media, either, as the journalists continue to be encouraged by Oklahoma City's talented young core. 

Kevin O'Connor, a writer and podcast host at The Ringer, is one of the media members who has praised the Thunder profusely over the past few months.

On Monday, O'Connor released an early-season player ranking with two OKC players making the cut in his top 50. 

My top 50 NBA players today…

Who’s too high?

Who’s too low?

Plenty to argue over. What’s clear is the league is more loaded with talent than ever before. pic.twitter.com/lYAbhkKYV9

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 14, 2023

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City's main star and a 2023 First Team All-NBA honoree, came in at No. 8 on the writer's rankings just behind Devin Booker and one spot ahead of LeBron James. 

Chet Holmgren, a rookie center and former No. 2 overall pick who has played in just 10 regular season games so far in his career, earned the No. 40 spot on O'Connor's rankings after his impressive start this year.

Holmgren is ahead of former All-Star players like Zion Williamson, Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram as well as being in front of talented young players like Paolo Banchero, Evan Mobley, Franz Wagner and Alperen Sengun.

So far this season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.4 points, seven rebounds, six assists and 2.1 steals per game. These numbers are similar to what the former Kentucky guard put up last season in his first All-Star and All-NBA campaign.

Gilgeous-Alexander is once again hitting his high scoring output with great efficiency numbers, shooting 52.6% from the field.

Through his first 10 NBA contests, Holmgren is averaging 16.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. The rookie center has also been extremely efficient, shooting 54.9% from the field and 50% from 3-point range on 3.6 attempts per game. 

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