Since trading away All-Stars Paul George and Russell Westbrook predicting the Oklahoma City Thunder is more about looking at a rebuild and less about postseason success.
For the past decade — save the Russell Westbrook MVP season — predictions and expectations for the Oklahoma City Thunder have centered around deep playoff runs and championship aspirations.
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After this summer that has all changed.
With their two All-NBA level players gone, the Thunder are at a crossroads: they still have enough veteran talent around to be competitive, yet are clearly setting up for a tear down and rebuild.
This crossroads makes predicting the team difficult. Will the team’s general manager, Sam Presti, sell off the rest of the team’s veteran assets for draft picks and begin bottoming out or attempt to remain relevant for another season?
If the team’s front office chooses the former, it’s fair to think that the Oklahoma City Thunder will be selecting in the top eight of the 2020 draft. If they elect to go with the latter you can make a reasonable case that they could make another playoff appearance.
With that being said, the Thunder’s rebuild is inevitable, if not this season then certainly the next. The team has a talented group of young players — headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — and a treasure trove of future draft picks.
Presti will try to replicate the beginning of the Thunder era by drafting and developing elite talent.
While this season of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball may be one of uncertainty, here are five predictions for the team and their direction.