18. Oklahoma City Thunder
The hype surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder heading into the start of the season is real. They have one of the best players in the league Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (a top 10 player in the league if you ask ESPN) and an emerging supporting cast led by “rookie” Chet Holmgren. The Thunder nearly made the postseason last season, losing in the second round of the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference.
If there’s a natural progression from their young players, the Thunder have a good chance to finish as a top 8 team in the West. That doesn’t guarantee them a spot in the playoffs but it would give them a better shot to make the official postseason bracket. At least for now, I want to see how well – and quickly – this team is able to mesh. On paper, the sky is the limit for the Thunder heading into the start of the season.
But that’s why the games are played. Injuries can happen and unexpected circumstances can completely change the complexity of the season for a team. The start of the season will be crucial for the Thunder. If they can get off to a hot start, this is a team that is only going to gain more and more confidence with every passing game.