The Upcoming Thunder Season: Why This Team Could Be Historically Bad

David

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Post on Jun 19, 2025

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The Upcoming Thunder Season: Why This Year Could Be Historically Bad

The Oklahoma City Thunder are entering a new season, and unfortunately, the outlook isn't bright. While hope springs eternal for fans, the cold, hard facts suggest this could be a historically bad season for the franchise. Let's delve into the reasons why this young team might struggle to achieve even modest success in the upcoming NBA campaign.

A Roster Built for the Future, Not the Present

The Thunder's strategy is clear: tanking for a high draft pick. This means prioritizing young, developing talent over immediate wins. While players like Chet Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Josh Giddey show promise, they are still relatively inexperienced and lack the consistent performance needed to compete against established NBA teams. This deliberate youth movement, while essential for long-term success, guarantees a tough season in the short term. The lack of established veterans to mentor and guide the younger players further exacerbates the issue.

The Chet Holmgren Factor: A Huge Question Mark

The injury suffered by Chet Holmgren last summer cast a long shadow over the entire season. His return is eagerly anticipated, but his recovery and subsequent performance remain huge unknowns. Holmgren's potential is undeniable, but integrating him back into the team while managing his minutes and expectations will be crucial – a challenge in itself for a team already facing steep odds. His absence last year already significantly hampered the team's potential, and any setbacks this season could prove catastrophic.

A Challenging Western Conference

The Western Conference is notoriously brutal. Even teams considered "rebuilding" often possess a surprising amount of talent. Competing against established powerhouses like the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns, let alone the other playoff contenders, will be an uphill battle for a Thunder team still finding its feet. The sheer depth and experience of opposing teams will expose the Thunder's inexperience consistently throughout the season.

Defensive Woes: A Recurring Problem

Defense has been a persistent issue for the Thunder in recent seasons. While there’s potential for improvement with a healthier roster, fundamentally, the team lacks the defensive prowess needed to consistently compete at a high level. Simply put, they'll concede too many points to consistently win games against stronger opponents. Addressing this weakness will require significant improvement from individual players and a cohesive team defensive strategy.

The Path Forward: Embracing the Process

While the upcoming season might be challenging, it's crucial to remember that the Thunder are playing the long game. Their focus is on player development and securing high draft picks. This season should be seen as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and further hone the skills of their young core. Fans should focus on individual player progress and the team’s growth rather than the win-loss record. The future looks brighter than the present, but this year might be a necessary step in the right direction.

Call to Action: Follow the Thunder's journey this season and let us know your predictions in the comments below! What are your hopes and expectations for the team? Are they destined for a historically bad season, or can they surprise us? Let's discuss!