Oklahoma City’s expectations are sky-high heading into the 2024-25 season for a multitude of reasons. The internal growth of the team’s young core, impressive outside additions, and a leading MVP candidate make this team one of the most exciting in the NBA.
With the additions of Alex Caruso And Isaiah Hartensteineveryone is talking about the elite defensive lineups the Thunder could use. Caruso is an All-Defensive caliber player, and Lu Dort This is also the case even if the distinctions have not yet fallen in his favor. Cason Wallace Hartenstein is one of the best young defenders in the NBA, and every player in the rotation is a positive on defense. Hartenstein has a much-needed defensive talent on the rebound and was an underrated defender throughout his breakthrough season with the Knicks.
Sure, on paper, Oklahoma City has one of the best defenses in the NBA. But on the other hand, the Thunder’s offense could be historic, and it seems to be going unnoticed.
Last season, the Thunder finished third in the NBA in offensive rating (118.3), third in points per game (120.1) and first in three-point percentage. The team produced some great offensive performances, shooting 49.9 percent from the field, which was second in the NBA. The only offense that was truly on a different level was the Boston Celtics, and they were a historic team, no doubt.
Even if Josh Giddey He had a handful of big games and flashed high potential during his three years in Oklahoma City, but he was a glaring weak link in the Thunder’s offense a season ago. He’s a talented player, but his fit has become shaky next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a rising offensive star in Jalen Williams. This hampered the team’s momentum on offense and eventually led to a playoff benching. This summer, the team addressed the issue in the best possible way.
Oklahoma City replaced Giddey with Caruso, who is universally known as one of the best role players in the NBA. On paper, he’s the perfect connector for this Thunder team, and he’ll have more chances to make three-pointers than he’s ever had before. Caruso was also a 40.8 percent 3-point shooter last season — a percentage Giddey never came close to matching. He seems to fit much better into the offense.
Hartenstein, on the other hand, may not average double digits, but he’ll open up the floor in other ways. He’s a great screener and an underrated passer. His basketball IQ will mesh well with the rest of the Thunder’s core. He’ll also give the Thunder a chance at every offensive rebound.
It’s hard to outperform Oklahoma City on offense last season. But with the pieces in place, this offense could be the best in the NBA.
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