As a longtime NBA analyst who’s tracked the evolution of young teams, I’ve got to say—the Oklahoma City Thunder this season are one of the most fascinating squads to watch. They’re not just rebuilding; they’re accelerating. When you look at their roster, a few names jump out not only for their individual brilliance but for how they fit into a system that’s beginning to resemble something dangerous in the Western Conference. Let me walk you through my take on the top players wearing Thunder blue this year, and why I think they’re turning heads sooner than many expected.
First, there’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander—and honestly, if you don’t start with him, you’re missing the heartbeat of this team. I’ve followed Shai since his Clippers days, and his growth into a bonafide MVP candidate is staggering. This season, he’s averaging around 31 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, numbers that don’t even fully capture his clutch gene. The way he controls the pace, slithers into the lane, and knocks down mid-range jumpers reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade but with a smoother three-point shot. Defensively, he’s no slouch either, often grabbing over a steal per game. In my view, he’s not just the top player on the Thunder; he’s a top-10 player in the league right now, and I’d argue that’s not even up for debate. Watching him dissect defenses in the fourth quarter is like seeing an artist at work—it’s pure, unscripted brilliance.
Then you have Chet Holmgren, the rookie big man who’s already shifting how opponents game plan. Standing at 7’1" with guard-like skills, Chet is a unicorn in the truest sense. He’s putting up roughly 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 40% from beyond the arc. I remember skeptics questioning his frame, but he’s proven them wrong by holding his own in the paint and even switching onto perimeter players. What impresses me most is his basketball IQ; he rarely forces shots and makes smart passes out of double-teams. In a league where stretch-fives are gold, Chet is looking like a future All-Star. Personally, I think he’s the second-most important player on this roster because he unlocks so much for everyone else—spacing the floor, protecting the rim, and allowing Shai to operate with more freedom.
Jalen Williams is another gem who’s exploded in his sophomore year. He’s averaging about 19 points and 4 assists, with a knack for scoring in traffic that reminds me of a young Paul George. His versatility is key—he can play on or off the ball, defend multiple positions, and he’s shown up in big moments, like that game-winner against the Knicks back in November. I’ve spoken with scouts who say his work ethic is off the charts, and it shows in his improved three-point shooting, now hovering near 38%. To me, J-Dub (as fans call him) is the X-factor that makes OKC’s offense so unpredictable. When he’s aggressive, this team is nearly impossible to stop.
Now, let’s talk about Josh Giddey. I know there’s been some debate about his fit alongside Shai, but I’m still a believer. His playmaking is elite—he’s dishing out around 7 assists per game—and at 6’8", he sees passing lanes most guards can’t. Sure, his shooting has been inconsistent (maybe 32% from three), but he rebounds well for his position and pushes the break with flair. In my experience covering the league, players with his vision don’t come around often, and I think the Thunder should be patient with him. He might not be the top scorer, but he facilitates in ways that elevate everyone.
Beyond these stars, role players like Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe deserve shoutouts. Dort’s defense is relentless—he’s holding opponents to under 42% shooting when he’s the primary defender—and Joe’s shooting (around 41% from deep) spreads the floor beautifully. But if I’m ranking the top players, my list goes Shai, Chet, Jalen, and then Giddey, with Dort as an honorable mention for his gritty contributions.
Wrapping this up, the Thunder’s rise isn’t just about individual talent; it’s about synergy. They play unselfishly, much like how teams in other leagues, say the PBA, leverage point differentials for standings—think of San Miguel’s +17 net in their scenario, where margins matter. Here, every player’s plus-minus and efficiency impact the team’s quotient, and OKC’s core is posting impressive numbers that hint at a bright future. From my perspective, this group is poised to make noise in the playoffs sooner rather than later. If they keep developing at this rate, we might look back in a few years and see this season as the start of something special. So, if you’re not tuning into Thunder games yet, you’re missing out on one of the NBA’s best stories.
