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    2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder Roster By Tiers

    By Eddie Bitar,

    14 hours ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=45zjwk_0v42yPGv00

    The Oklahoma City Thunder might have over-performed in the eyes of many last season, finishing with the best record in the Western Conference led by MVP runner-up Shai Gilgeous-Alexander . The Thunder made it to the second round but fell to the Dallas Mavericks in six games, indicating that the 2024-25 NBA season will have high expectations for them. The Thunder have one of the best depth charts in the league and will look to take advantage to try to make a run for the NBA championship as we take a look at their roster and divide it into six tiers.


    Tier 1: Superstars

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has firmly established himself as one of the NBA's top superstars, leading the Thunder with his elite scoring ability, playmaking, and clutch performances. Last season, he was the driving force behind Oklahoma City's surprising rise to the top of the Western Conference, averaging 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. His ability to control the game on both ends makes him not only the heart of the Thunder but also a legitimate MVP contender once again this season. As long as the former No. 11 overall pick competes at this level, the Thunder have everything in place to make a realistic title run every season for the foreseeable future.


    Tier 2: All-Stars

    Chet Holmgren

    Chet Holmgren made an immediate impact as a rookie, bringing a unique skill set that blends elite shot-blocking with the ability to stretch the floor offensively. Averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, Holmgren quickly became a defensive anchor for the Thunder. His ability to protect the rim and knock down threes at a high rate gives Oklahoma City a dynamic frontcourt presence, making him a key piece of their championship puzzle. We anticipate that Holmgren will be of All-Star status in 2024-25 after finishing second in Rookie of the Year running behind Victor Wembanyama. Expect the big man to see a boost in his numbers which will make the Thunder even more scary to deal with.


    Tier 3: Fringe All-Stars

    Jalen Williams

    Jalen Williams emerged as a key two-way player for the Thunder thanks to his versatility and consistent production. Last season, even if he did not make the All-Star Team, he averaged 19.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Williams' growth as a scorer and defender, combined with his high basketball IQ, makes him an invaluable part of the Thunder's success moving forward. Williams will struggle to make the All-Star Team because of the insane talent the West has, but that doesn’t make him any less impactful.


    Tier 4: Key Role Players

    Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein

    Alex Caruso brings championship experience and elite perimeter defense to the Thunder, filling a critical role as a defensive stopper and secondary playmaker. Known for his hustle and high basketball IQ, Caruso averaged 10.1 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game last season. His ability to guard multiple positions and make smart plays on both ends of the court makes him a perfect fit alongside Oklahoma City’s young core. Caruso has made two straight All-Defensive Team selections and he will be an immediate upgrade over Josh Giddey for the Thunder.

    Luguentz Dort continues to be a key defensive specialist for the Thunder, regularly taking on the toughest assignments against opposing wings and guards. His physicality and relentless energy make him a cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s defensive strategy. Offensively, Dort contributed 10.9 points per game, while also improving his three-point shooting (career-high 39.4%), making him a valuable 3-and-D player for the Thunder. Dort will hold down the starting shooting guard spot, most likely, and the two-man rotation with Alex Caruso means the Thunder have an abundance of talent.

    Isaiah Hartenstein was the big-money signing for the Thunder this summer with the intention of providing size to help out the slender Chet Holmgren. Last season, he averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in a backup role, showing his ability to impact games with his presence in the paint. Hartenstein’s ability to anchor the second unit defensively and contribute on offense with his passing makes him a vital part of the rotation, and the New York Knicks will certainly miss his presence.


    Tier 5: Supplementary Pieces

    Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Jaylin Williams, Ousmane Dieng

    Cason Wallace is an emerging young guard with tremendous defensive upside and a growing offensive game. His ability to pressure the ball and disrupt opposing guards earned him significant minutes last season, where he averaged 6.8 points (on 41.9% shooting from three), 2.3 rebounds, and 0.9 steals per game. Wallace’s development as a playmaker and scorer will be crucial as he carves out a larger role on the team.

    Isaiah Joe adds valuable shooting and spacing to the Thunder’s offense, proving to be a reliable option from beyond the arc. He averaged 8.2 points per game on 41.6% three-point shooting last season, becoming a trusted floor spacer for the Thunder’s playmakers. Joe’s ability to knock down shots in key moments makes him a key contributor off the bench and the Thunder have made him an integral player off the bench.

    Aaron Wiggins is a versatile wing who provides energy and defense, often being tasked with guarding multiple positions. He averaged 6.7 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season, showing flashes of potential as a two-way player. Wiggins' ability to contribute in a variety of ways gives the Thunder valuable depth on the wing.

    Jaylin Williams is a high-energy forward known for his rebounding, toughness, and hustle plays. He averaged 4.0 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season, carving out a role as a reliable frontcourt presence off the bench. Williams’ ability to impact the game with his physicality and effort makes him an important piece of the Thunder’s rotation.

    Ousmane Dieng is a young forward with significant upside due to his size, athleticism, and developing skill set. Last season, he averaged 4.0 points and 1.5 rebounds per game, showing promise as a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions. Dieng’s growth as a shooter and playmaker will determine how large a role he can play in the Thunder’s future.


    Tier 6: Bench

    Nikola Topic, Kenrich Williams, Dillon Jones

    Nikola Topic is a promising young guard who is expected to develop with the Thunder’s system in time although he will miss the entire 2024-25 NBA campaign due to an ACL procedure. As the No. 12 overall pick, he’ll look to contribute with his passing and defense, while continuing to work on his scoring ability over the next few seasons and he has a great mentor in front of him in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

    Kenrich Williams is a veteran forward who brings toughness and leadership to the Thunder’s locker room. Known for his hustle and versatility, Williams will provide depth and stability to the roster in limited minutes although he appeared in 69 games last year, averaging 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

    Dillon Jones is a rookie forward taken No. 26 overall known for his defense and rebounding. While his minutes may be limited, Jones will aim to make an impact with his energy and effort when called upon although the amount of players ahead of him is more than impressive right now.

    Related: 3 Different Starting Lineups The Thunder Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season

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