With the release of the official NBA schedule for the 2024-25 season, there have been plenty of great games and matchups announced. Yet, the Oklahoma City Thunder seem to be those who have been the worst off.
Last season, OKC finished first in the Western Conference, becoming the youngest team to do so. Additionally, they managed to reach the Western Conference Semifinals, breaking another record by becoming the youngest team to win a playoff series. However, the NBA refuses to recognize the team’s achievements, as the Thunder are ranked 11th among teams whose games are televised on national television.
You’d think a team with that resume, along with an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and promising young stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, would be ranked higher than some of its competitors.
This is not news to Thunder fans, however, as not only were they left out of the Christmas Day program games, but they were also left out on opening night. While it makes sense that some teams are ahead of the Thunder, a strong argument can be made for many others.
NBA Opening Night kicks off with two matchups on October 22 πΏπ₯
π: https://t.co/K21rMVEtOq pic.twitter.com/MhoYgv2NXY
β Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 15, 2024
The Bucks, Timberwolves, Sixers, and Suns were all ranked lower than the Thunder last season, yet they are all ranked higher than the Thunder. Plus, Shai has proven that he is on par with, if not higher than, the stars of those franchises.
It just goes to show that the NBA has preferences for certain players, teams and markets, and the Thunder apparently aren’t part of that illustrious group. The Thunder may have to hoist the Larry O’Brien to earn the respect they deserve.
The Thunder are tied for 10th in nationally televised games.
Should they have had more national television coverage? pic.twitter.com/MGLRNl9HJA
β π½πππ°ππΎπΊπ²π΅ππ β‘οΈ (@NotAnOKCFan) August 16, 2024
MORE THUNDER CONTENT:
The official OKC Thunder schedule is here
