5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
Heading into the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are considered one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the Western Conference. However, the clock is ticking on this young team to put it all together. And there’s no guarantee that they will this season, or even in the foreseeable future. The Thunder are talented. It wouldn’t be outlandish to say that they’re one of the most talented young teams in the league. However, at the same time, they still only have one proven star on their roster.
And if none of the team’s other young pieces can begin to improve individually, there’s an outside chance that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could begin to grow impatient with the team’s overall timeline. SGA is 25 years old and is coming off a season in which he averaged 31 points, six assists, and five rebounds per game on 51 percent shooting from the field.
He’s ready to compete on the NBA’s biggest of stages but is on a team that isn’t even a shoo-in to make the playoffs next season. SGA could demand a trade if the Thunder aren’t able to take the next step in their progression relatively soon.