Oklahoma City Thunder’s Preseason Surges: A Preview of Their Potentially Revolutionary Offense and Defense

As the Oklahoma City Thunder take to the court for preseason basketball, the buzz around their new roster and potential is growing. While it may only be preseason, the Thunder’s performance has exceeded the high expectations many had for this young and promising team. Following a remarkable 57-win season, this youthful roster looks set to improve further, driven by both internal development and a few key acquisitions. Let’s take a closer look at how OKC’s budding stars and new players might elevate them to new heights this season.

Internal Growth: A Key Factor for OKC’s Young Stars

The Thunder’s roster is still one of the youngest in the league, which offers a unique opportunity for growth. Take Cason Wallace, for example. He is entering the season after a solid rookie campaign, where he impressed as a reliable interior finisher, an excellent three-point shooter with nearly 42% accuracy, and a capable passer. As Wallace grows into his role, his increased responsibility could provide a significant boost to OKC’s bench unit.

Another player to watch is Aaron Wiggins. At 25, Wiggins has potential to become a key piece at the end of the Thunder’s rotation. Standing at 6’6″, he offers the ability to score in multiple ways, providing OKC with another versatile wing option.

However, the real focus for OKC’s internal development is on their emerging stars. Jaylen Williams, known as “J-Dub,” has already made a name for himself as a potent scorer and offensive threat. Now entering his third season at just 23, Williams is honing his game, particularly his pull-up three-point shooting. If he can increase his volume and maintain high efficiency in this area, his offensive value could skyrocket. Last season, Williams shot a remarkable 41.9% on pull-up threes, despite taking only 117 attempts. If he can boost that volume to three or four per game, he’ll solidify his role as a formidable scoring threat.

Another key player in this narrative is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, known for his elite scoring and playmaking. Back in 2021, pull-up threes were a staple in his game, but this aspect of his play diminished over the years. This preseason, however, Gilgeous-Alexander appears to have refined his pull-up jumper, executing it with smoother, quicker mechanics that allow him to shoot effectively even in transition. If both Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams can elevate their off-the-dribble shooting, OKC’s offense could become one of the most dynamic in the league, potentially rivalling top-tier offenses like those of the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics.

Strategic Additions: Isaiah Hartenstein’s Impact

OKC’s biggest offseason acquisition, Isaiah Hartenstein, brings an entirely new dynamic to the team with his elite screening and passing abilities. He’s an exceptional screener, a skill that will greatly benefit the Thunder’s key players, who are all adept at driving to the basket. By setting robust screens, Hartenstein opens up a world of offensive possibilities for the Thunder. He can create space for shooters and allow slashers like Gilgeous-Alexander to find easy paths to the rim.

The Thunder’s coaching staff has already incorporated Hartenstein into their system effectively, implementing a range of actions that utilize his skills as both a screener and passer. For example, they frequently use him in two-man game setups with shooters such as Isaiah Joe, leveraging Hartenstein’s playmaking to create high-quality perimeter shots. OKC has also implemented actions similar to those used by the Denver Nuggets, with Hartenstein running dribble handoffs and operating as a facilitator from the elbow—a role reminiscent of Nikola Jokic’s in Denver. This style of playmaking from the center position enables the Thunder to maintain offensive flow even when primary ball handlers are off the floor.

A Revolutionary Offense in the Making?

The Thunder are blending various elements of modern NBA offense, from five-out spacing to motion actions and ball screens, into their game plan. With Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, OKC boasts a unique combination of a playmaking five and a supersized wing capable of handling the ball, attacking the rim, and stretching the floor with outside shooting. This versatility makes OKC’s offense nearly unstoppable at times. The Thunder’s strategy of using small guards as screeners, spacing them out, and creating mismatches has been particularly effective, freeing up shooters and slashing lanes.

The Thunder’s offense, which was already the third-best in the NBA last season, could realistically rise to the top spot if their young stars continue to develop and new additions like Hartenstein integrate seamlessly. Their revolutionary approach, which incorporates elements from high-efficiency offenses across the league, positions them well for sustained success. If they can execute this offensive strategy consistently, they could redefine what a modern NBA offense looks like.

Defensive Potential: A Lockdown Unit in the Making

While OKC’s offensive prowess has garnered much attention, their defensive capabilities are equally impressive. Case in point: in a recent preseason game, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, and Williams displayed their defensive versatility by stifling the opposition at multiple positions. The Thunder have assembled an array of defensive stoppers, with Wallace, Caruso, and Lu Dort all capable of locking down on-ball defenders. This level of perimeter defense is rare, and it will be invaluable when facing elite offenses across the league.

Should an opponent manage to penetrate OKC’s first line of defense, they’ll still have to contend with rim protectors like Holmgren and Hartenstein. Holmgren, who primarily played as a lone center last season, helped OKC achieve the fourth-best defensive rating in the league. Now, with Hartenstein providing additional size and physicality, the Thunder are well-positioned to build on that success.

OKC’s Balanced Blueprint for Success

The Thunder have assembled a balanced roster that excels on both ends of the court, with a mix of young talent, veteran acquisitions, and a coaching staff willing to innovate. Their offense is versatile and dynamic, utilizing elements from various successful NBA teams, while their defense is shaping up to be a nightmare for opponents. The Thunder’s roster may be young, but their collective skill, strategic additions, and potential for growth make them a legitimate contender in the Western Conference this season.

Ultimately, the Thunder are positioning themselves not just for a playoff run, but potentially a deep postseason journey. While it’s too early to make bold predictions, if OKC’s young stars continue to develop and new pieces like Hartenstein and Caruso integrate well, this team could become one of the league’s elite sooner rather than later.