Oklahoma City Thunder’s summer additions will lead them back to playoffs

Through the draft, free agency, and trades, the Oklahoma City Thunder have made additions to their team that will help them eclipse their 2022-23 win total.

The Oklahoma City Thunder finished their 2022-23 campaign with a 40-42 record, 10th in the Western Conference. They won their first Play-In game against the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118 but fell short of making the playoffs after the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated them 120-95 in the second Play-In game.

It was a major step for the Thunder, who finished with 22 and 24 wins in the two prior seasons. Despite being the league’s youngest team with an average age of 22.6, they finished top 15 in both offense and defense and were just one game away from reaching the playoffs.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made an incredible leap, finishing 5th in MVP, 2nd for Most Improved Player, and as a member of the All-NBA First Team. He made his case as the best downhill attacker and driver in the world. Head coach Mark Daigneault finished 2nd in the Coach of the Year voting, just as Jalen Williams finished 2nd for the Rookie of the Year award.

Not only that, but the versatile Josh Giddey showed signs of improvement, particularly in the scoring and efficiency departments. Lu Dort remained a tenacious on-ball defender and one of the league’s best in that department. Plenty of other role players, such as Kenrich Williams and Isaiah Joe, shined in their roles.

Next season, the Thunder will only look to improve. Not only should their young core who was on the roster last season improve and take strides, but additions that the Thunder have made this offseason may help them make the playoffs for the first time since their rebuild began in the 2020 offseason. Here’s who will immediately help OKC accomplish this goal.