Oklahoma City Thunder makes bold predictions after releasing 2024-25 schedule

With the release of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s schedule for the 2024-25 season, many eyes will be on the Thunder. Ahead of the Thunder’s 2024-25 season, we will be giving our season predictions for the Thunder.

Oklahoma City had a breakout season in 2023-24, finishing the season as the number one seed in the Western Conference at 57-25. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the group and finished second in the MVP award. Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists and two steals per game. He made 53.5 percent of his field shots and 35.3 percent of his three-point shots.

The 26-year-old is one of the best players in the league and the leader of this young and talented Thunder team. In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, there are two other star guards on the team, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

Williams had a breakout season in his sophomore season, averaging 19.1 points, four rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game. He shot an efficient 54 percent from the field and 42.7 percent from beyond the arc. His defense and ability to play on offense with or without the ball make him extremely valuable.

Holmgren had a great rookie season, finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Victor Wembanyama. Holmgren averaged 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks per game. On offense, Holmgren was a good shooter, hitting 53 percent of his shots from the field and 37 percent from beyond the arc.

Although Oklahoma City had a good core, Sam Presti wasn’t satisfied with this roster as he made improvements in the offseason. The Thunder acquired All-Defensive Guard Alex Caruso in a trade and signed Isaiah Hartenstein as a free agent. These new additions add a lot of depth to the rotation and make Oklahoma City one of the best rosters in the league.

With that said, let’s get to our bold predictions for the 2024-25 Thunder.

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Thunder makes it to the NBA finals

Although there are plenty of talented teams in the West, Oklahoma City has a deep roster. The Thunder have the star-studded cast of Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams and Holmgren, but the added depth this offseason will make all the difference.

Caruso is a big upgrade over Josh Giddey as he is well suited as a three-and-D wing. The 30-year-old guard is coming off a career year with the Chicago Bulls, averaging 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.7 steals and a block per game. Caruso made 46.8 percent of his shots from the field and 40.8 percent from behind the three-point line.

While Caruso isn’t a star, his role as a defender and shooter will help him a lot. He also has championship experience, as he was crucial for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 2020 title run.

The other new addition, Hartenstein, should also be an impact player. The development of young players on the bench, such as Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams, would help them even more. With this elite squad, the Thunder should compete in the NBA Finals.

Thunder is the team with the best defense

Although the Thunder’s roster is talented on offense, their strength lies on defense. Oklahoma City finished the 2023-24 season as a top-five defensive team and improved during the offseason.

Caruso’s elite wing defense alongside Gilgeous-Alexander forms one of the best defensive backcourts in basketball. On offense, the Thunder have two elite defenders in Williams and Lu Dort who are the best at attacking.

Oklahoma City has two top-notch defenders at the big position in Holmgren and Hartenstein. Holmgren excels as a shot blocker, while Hartenstein is more of a deep hitter. With all this defensive talent, the Thunder should finish the season as the best defensive team.

Chet Holmgren makes the All-Defensive Team

Although Holmgren did not make the All-Defensive Team in his rookie season, he showed off his outstanding blocking skills. However, Holmgren struggled to keep up with physical centers, which was evident in the playoffs against Jonas Valanciunas, Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford.

By signing Hartenstein, Holmgren will be able to play in lineups where they are on the court together. This should help Holmgren succeed as he can continue to be a top-notch shot blocker without having to face physical opponents. As Holmgren moves into the ideal role on defense, he should make the All-Defensive Team.

Oklahoma City is coming off a great offseason with a promising season ahead of it. Given the talent the Thunder have, fans can be excited because they are in for a great season.