The Thunder successfully traded for Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls to start their offseason moves. In this trade, the Thunder sent Josh Giddey to the Bulls in exchange for Caruso. Known for his defensive tenacity and championship experience with the Los Angeles Lakers, Caruso will bring a gritty, veteran presence to OKC's backcourt. He is expected to complement the talents of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, adding depth and defensive stability to the team.
In addition to securing Caruso, the Thunder have signed free agent Isaiah Hartenstein , who had a solid season with the New York Knicks. Hartenstein's contract with the Thunder is reported to be a three-year deal worth $87 million. The 7-foot center posted career-best numbers in rebounding and shot-blocking, becoming a key player in the Knicks' rotation.
These strategic moves by the Thunder indicate their commitment to building a competitive team around their young core of Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren . With Caruso's defensive prowess and Hartenstein's inside presence, the Thunder are poised to make significant strides in the Western Conference with a perfectly constructed roster.
Starting Lineup
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's star guard, had an exceptional 2023-24 season, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. His ability to create shots, drive to the basket, and distribute the ball makes him the cornerstone of OKC's offense. Shai's versatility and leadership are crucial for the Thunder, and he continues to improve his defensive game, making him a formidable two-way player.
Alex Caruso, acquired from the Chicago Bulls, adds a much-needed defensive edge to the Thunder's backcourt. Last season, Caruso averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His defensive tenacity, ability to disrupt opponents, and championship experience with the Los Angeles Lakers make him a valuable asset. Caruso's hustle and high basketball IQ will bring stability and a winning mentality to the team.
Jalen Williams, who just completed his second NBA season in 2023-24, showed significant improvement with averages of 19.1 points, 4.5 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game. His versatility allows him to play multiple positions, contributing to both offense and defense. Williams' ability to shoot from the perimeter, drive to the basket, and defend multiple positions adds depth and flexibility to the Thunder's lineup. His continued development is essential for OKC's success in the coming years.
Chet Holmgren, the highly anticipated rookie, is set to make an immediate impact with his unique skill set. Holmgren is known for his shot-blocking, rebounding, and scoring ability. In his final college season, he averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and protect the rim on defense makes him a valuable addition to the Thunder. Holmgren's presence in the frontcourt alongside Hartenstein will provide OKC with a formidable defensive duo.
Isaiah Hartenstein, signed from the New York Knicks, brings additional size and versatility to the Thunder's frontcourt. Hartenstein had a breakout season with the Knicks, averaging 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. His prowess in rebounding, shot-blocking, and playmaking from the center position complements Holmgren and strengthens OKC's interior defense. The three-year, $36 million deal reflects the Thunder's confidence in Hartenstein's ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor.
Related: Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup And Bench After Selecting Dalton Knecht And Bronny James
Bench
Nikola Topic, Ajay Mitchell, Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, Ousmane Dieng, Dillon Jones, Jaylin Williams
Nikola Topic, chosen 12th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, brings a fresh and dynamic presence to the Thunder's bench. Known for his excellent playmaking abilities, court vision, and solid defense, Topic is expected to provide significant contributions off the bench. The downside of picking him is that Topic might be out for his entire rookie year after a serious knee injury before the Draft, while playing overseas.
In contrast, the Thunder will count on Ajay Mitchell to have some degree of success in the second unit. Selected in the second round, he’ll see some playing time behind the staring guards this season.
Lu Dort continues to be a defensive stalwart for the Thunder. His ability to guard multiple positions and provide a defensive anchor makes him a vital part of OKC's second unit. Last season, Dort averaged 14.0 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively as well. His experience and defensive intensity set the tone for the Thunder's bench players.
Cason Wallace, entering his second season, is poised to build on a promising rookie campaign. Known for his defensive prowess and versatility, Wallace averaged 6.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last season. His development will be key for the Thunder as he takes on a more prominent role, providing both offensive support and defensive reliability.
Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins both received contract extensions this offseason, highlighting their importance to the team. Isaiah Joe signed a four-year, $48 million deal after a season where he averaged 8.2 points per game and shot an impressive 41.6% from three-point range. His shooting ability and defensive skills make him a crucial part of the Thunder's rotation. Aaron Wiggins, with his five-year, $47 million extension, continues to be a versatile contributor. Averaging 6.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game last season, Wiggins' ability to play multiple positions and provide consistent performances off the bench makes him an invaluable asset.
Kenrich Williams, Ousmane Dieng, Dillon Jones, and Jaylin Williams round out the bench, each bringing unique skills to the team. Kenrich Williams is known for his hustle and defensive versatility, often guarding the opponent's best players. Ousmane Dieng, a young forward with significant potential, offers length and athleticism, while Dillon Jones, the 26th pick in the 2024 Draft, adds energy and rebounding prowess. Jaylin Williams provides additional depth in the frontcourt with his rebounding and defensive capabilities. Together, this bench unit forms a well-rounded and versatile group capable of maintaining the Thunder's competitive edge throughout the game.
The Thunder Can Be The No. 1 Seed In The West Again
The Oklahoma City Thunder had an outstanding 2023-24 season, finishing with a stellar 57-25 record. This impressive performance secured them the top spot in both the Northwest Division and the Western Conference. The Thunder's regular-season success was driven by the stellar play of their young core and the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had an MVP-caliber season.
In the playoffs, the Thunder entered as the number one seed, brimming with confidence. They faced the eighth-seeded New Orleans Pelicans in the first round and swept them with a dominant 4-0 series victory. The second round presented a tougher challenge as the Thunder went up against the Dallas Mavericks. The series was a hard-fought battle, showcasing the depth and resilience of both teams. Despite the Thunder's efforts and standout performances from their core players, they ultimately fell to the Mavericks in six games, losing the series 4-2.
Although the playoff run ended earlier than hoped, the Thunder's season was marked by significant achievements and growth. The offseason saw strategic moves to bolster their roster. The acquisition of Alex Caruso brought in championship experience and defensive grit, while the signing of Isaiah Hartenstein added depth and versatility to the frontcourt. These additions, combined with the continued development of their young stars, position the Thunder as strong contenders to reclaim the top seed in the West.
Key factors contributing to their potential success include the maturation of their young core, the defensive prowess of players like Lu Dort and Alex Caruso, and the offensive versatility provided by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. The presence of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt ensures that the Thunder can compete with the best teams in the league on both ends of the floor.
With a balanced roster, valuable playoff experience from last season, and strategic offseason moves, the Thunder are well-equipped to make another strong push for the top seed in the Western Conference. Fans can look forward to an exciting season as the team integrates these new additions and aims for a deeper playoff run.
Related: Philadelphia 76ers Starting Lineup Looks Unbeatable After Signing Paul George
Local Oklahoma City, OK
Most Popular
Comments / 0