“OKC is that little puppy that’s over the big bowl” - Kevin Garnett goes all-in on the Thunder hype train with his dog theory

Last season, the OKC Thunder experienced their most successful playoff run in the last eight years. Not only did they show glimpses of how formidable their young core can be, but having logged a Top 4 offensive and defensive rating throughout the regular-season camping, just how strong their team camaraderie was.

Now, with the team adding Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartestein, Kevin Garnett become the latest of those who joined their hype train, sounding certain that they can improve on their last season’s trajectory.

During an episode of the ‘KG Certified’ podcast, the 2004 MVP delved deeper into his ‘dog theory,’ to highlight how, despite being inexperienced, the Thunder could be one of the most impressive teams in the 2024-25 season.

"Say what you want, boy. OKC got some dogs. They ain't got no experience, but sh*t, I seen some little motherf****rs knock the big motherf****rs out just because he was a dog," Garnett said. "OKC is that little puppy that's over the big bowl…and the big homie is like... going nowhere. You gotta quit on all that disrespect. OKC don’t get it f**ked up ‘cause they don’t have the glitz… we got something to prove."

Pierce doesn’t agree with KG

Staying true to the tradition of their hit podcast, it was impossible for The Truth to be on the same page as KG.

Interestingly, Pierce expressed how coach Mark Daigneault’s team should not be burdened with sky-high expectations until they prove their mettle with a deep playoff run despite how solid they look on paper.

"They been behind the gate, barking. You know that dog in the neighborhood, behind the gate, just barking? You open up the gate, they just standing there," Pierce said. "I don't know. I didn't see them in the playoffs yet, like make a deep run."

Thunder has a lot of potential

Given their performance last year, the Thunder recognized what they needed to take the next step forward. Not only did they retain two of their leading scorers from last season - Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but they also solidified by tying their defensive anchor - Chet Holmgren to the roster.

Additionally, they managed to acquire Caruso and Hartenstein without surrendering any of their first-round picks, a move that will enhance their defensive tenacity on both the perimeter and at the rim.

So, while Pierce might wait till the next season to hold any hopes from OKC, it does seem the Thunder will have every chance of improving their trajectory if they avoid all injury scares to their marquee players, especially now when the roles are more clearly defined.

Related: Tatum talks about his chances of winning an MVP award this season - "If I am in that conversation, that means we are one of the best teams"