Following the 2024–2025 season, it has become clear that the Oklahoma City Thunder are officially a contender. OKC has shifted from rebuilding to a legitimate threat in the Western Conference, thanks to young talents surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Group Effort
Having a 27-year-old MVP-caliber star is undoubtedly helpful, but the Thunder aren’t built on Shai alone. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32.7 points, 5.80 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game this season, shooting 51% from the field and 37% from three.
Chet Holmgren has emerged as the perfect modern big — rim protector, shot blocker, and floor spacer rolled into one, averaging 15.0 points and 2.2 blocks per game. Jalen Williams contributes 21 points per game on 48% shooting. Together, these pieces give the Thunder balance and versatility on both ends of the court.
Look at the Thunder and you see the blueprint of modern basketball: multiple playmakers, switchable defenders, and shooters spread around the floor. They can run in transition, grind in half-court sets, and suffocate opponents with length on defense. It’s a style that mirrors where the league is heading — and OKC is ahead of the curve.
Shai’s Impact on OKC’s Identity
Shai’s rise hasn’t just elevated the Thunder on the court; it’s changed the way the franchise is perceived. They’re no longer “a team with potential” — they’re a Western Conference threat right now. His calm, composed style has given OKC a true identity: steady, resilient, and confident in the big moments.
The Next Step
The Thunder remain young, and playoff experience will be crucial. However, with Shai leading, they have a superstar capable of shifting the outcome in critical moments. The rebuild is over. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has embraced the future now.