OKC THUNDER: STARS IN THE MAKING

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is no longer the future of the NBA, he is the Present. He has taken his game to new heights but he may not be the only super star on his team by years end...

1/17/20245 min read

Oct 25, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2), forward Chet Holmgren (7), forward Jalen Williams (8), guard Luguentz Dort (5) and guard Josh Giddey (3) walk on the court during the second half of a basketball game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

In today's NBA, debates among fans are constant, but one undisputed truth remains — winning a championship demands a roster with knockdown shooters, perimeter defenders, and impactful bench players. Over the past decade, this formula has held, with a crucial caveat — a team must boast a bona fide superstar, a player with undeniable top-five potential.

Amidst the ever-evolving NBA landscape, a name that has stood across the league is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Shai's on-court brilliance is quantified by impressive statistics. Averaging 31 points, 6 boards, and 6 assists, he has entered the MVP conversation. His scoring finesse, efficiency, and playmaking prowess have elevated him to the focal point of a top-tier offensive unit. He's transitioned into a player who does no wrong, and the game has began to look so simple for him at every level.

Beyond the numbers, Shai has assumed a leadership role, guiding teammates with poise and a cold-blooded demeanor possessed by a select few. For many young stars the transition into superstardom, can be a long and almost endless process as not many ever reach the inflated expectations that come with being the face of a franchise. Whether its the culture set in place from head coach, Mark Daigneault, the year spent with Chris Paul in 2022, or the front office of OKC, or more likely a combination of three, the Thunder have allowed SGA to blossom in a superstar which has completely changed the goals and visions for this youthful Thunder team. As we delve deeper into the 2023-2024 season, all indicators point to this young star's journey evolving into a trajectory of superstardom. Whispers circulate, suggesting that SGA could be the driving force propelling his team to a championship.

Despite being the second youngest team in the NBA with an average age of 24.12, the Oklahoma City Thunder defy the conventional narrative. In most scenarios, a team of this youth would be considered years away from contention or in need of a few top-level players. However, the Thunder are rewriting the script. Guided by SGA's leadership and poise, the team has experienced accelerated growth, with players like Chet Holmgren emerging as a defensive anchor.

Even at the age of 20, this Gonzaga alum has seamlessly embraced the Thunder's culture, embodying the spirit of a team-first player. In a league where individual accolades often take center stage, witnessing such a young talent prioritize the team is truly refreshing. With his undeniable skill and star potential, choosing to align with a team-first mentality at this early stage not only speaks to his character but also reflects the strong team culture in place. For a seasoned fan of the NBA, it's heartening to see a rising star injecting genuine hope into the team's championship aspirations and revitalizing belief in the supporting cast around SGA.

One may have predicted Holmgren's rise to success, but as the Thunder forge ahead, another rising star quietly commands attention. Jalen Williams, at the age of 22, a former standout from Santa Clara, has transcended his initial role player status to become an NBA force epitomizing the coveted do-it-all mentality. Witnessing his heightened productivity across every facet of the game, Williams has evolved into a hyper-efficient scorer and playmaker for the Thunder. Over the last 10 games alone, his transformation hints at a player with limitless potential, leaving us curious about the player he may become by season's end. While he might not garner widespread media and fan attention now, mark my words – come playoff time, Jalen Williams, or J-Dub, will etch a name in the memory of basketball enthusiasts that won't soon be forgotten.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, certain truths stand unwavering. Winning championships necessitates a roster of sharpshooters, defensive stalwarts, and impactful bench players, all anchored by a bona fide superstar. Despite being the second youngest team in the NBA with an average age of 24.12, and the youngest team in terms of average years of experience, the Oklahoma City Thunder defy the conventional narrative. In most scenarios, a team of this youth would be considered years away from contention or in need of a few top-level players. However, the Thunder are rewriting the script. Guided by SGA's leadership and poise, the team has experienced accelerated growth, with players like Chet Holmgren emerging as a defensive anchor.

The Thunder, through meticulous culture-building, the influence of mentors like Chris Paul, and a visionary front office, have nurtured SGA into a bona fide superstar. This transformation has reshaped the goals and visions for the youthful Thunder team. As we navigate the 2023-2024 season, whispers suggest SGA might be the driving force propelling his team to a championship.

As the Thunder's narrative unfolds, each player's journey adds layers to the story. In this league of unpredictability, the prospect of championship glory becomes a shared dream. With SGA leading the charge and emerging talents like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren joining the ascent, the Thunder's trajectory sparks excitement. Jalen Williams' unexpected progression not only defies initial expectations but also hints at the looks of a potential future superstar. His transformative playstyle, coupled with a dynamic skill set, paints a picture of a player destined for greatness.

The echoes of their journey resonate beyond the court, leaving us eagerly anticipating the chapters yet to be written in the compelling story of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a name echoing across the league, epitomizes this formula. Averaging 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, he's not just an MVP contender but a maestro orchestrating an elite offensive unit. Shai's transition into a faultless player has simplified the game at every level, while his leadership qualities evoke a cold-blooded demeanor possessed by the select few.

Predicting Holmgren's rise was perhaps foreseeable, but as the Thunder press forward, another star quietly emerges. Jalen Williams, at 22, transforms from a role player to an NBA force embracing the do-it-all mentality. Over the last 10 games, he evolves into a hyper-efficient scorer and playmaker, leaving us intrigued about his potential by season's end. Despite the current lack of widespread attention, come playoff time, mark my words – Jalen Williams, or J-Dub, will etch a name in the memory of basketball enthusiasts.