Oklahoma City Thunder’s Championship Aspirations

The notion that the Oklahoma City Thunder might secure their first NBA Championship felt like a distant fantasy as they approached the 2022 NBA Draft. Coming off a disappointing 24-58 season, they had endured a previous 22-60 record. However, armed with the second overall pick, a consolation for their tough seasons, and a 12th pick from the Los Angeles Clippers’ playoff miss, hope was on the horizon.

Building a championship team is a process, not something that can happen overnight. For the Thunder, it might take a few years, perhaps gearing up for the 2025 NBA Finals. They made strategic moves, such as trading for Paul George, nurturing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander into an MVP contender, and finding hidden talents like Lu Dort—an undrafted player from 2019—along with acquisitions like Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein in the offseason.

If the Thunder aims at multiple championships in the next five years, it all traces back to the 2022 draft. They didn’t just secure one superstar; they actually found two, and that could change everything.

The Thunder entered the 2022 draft with all eyes on their first pick, depending on the Orlando Magic’s decision. Most analysts suggested they would select Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith Jr. However, only one outlet accurately predicted the Thunder would take Paolo Banchero, and that was SB Nation.

This was a pivotal moment for the potential dynasty in Oklahoma City. If Holmgren had gone first, the Thunder would have missed out on a top-tier rim protector. Conversely, had Smith been picked first, it makes one wonder if OKC would have chosen Banchero instead of Holmgren.

The Thunder also sought additional lottery picks that year. When the New York Knicks selected at No. 11, OKC engineered a trade offering three protected first-round picks to acquire that selection. They opted for French wing, Ousmane Dieng. Unfortunately, Dieng hasn’t seen much court time, barely making it into 40 games since being drafted.

With pick No. 12, the Thunder found themselves back on the map. It was sheer luck that this pick landed in the lottery instead of the late first round, thanks to Kawhi Leonard’s season-ending injury and Paul George’s COVID diagnosis during play-ins. They hit the jackpot by selecting Jalen Williams from Santa Clara, who had a standout performance at the combine.

Reactions at the time varied, and these were the grades given for that draft:

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Jalen Williams, G, Santa Clara

Grade: B-

Williams, a three-year college player, showcased impressive measurements and skills, standing at 6’6″ with a remarkable 7’2″ wingspan. He boasted a 40% shooting rate from three-point range and excelled in pick-and-roll situations. However, critics noted his speed may hold him back. Even though his stats might not have been ideal for a lottery pick, the Thunder needed wings, and Williams fit the bill. He could now contribute significantly, outperforming Dieng, the 11th pick.

Honestly, I underestimated Williams, who turned out to be an A+ pick. It’s surprising how OKC chose Dieng before him, but maybe they only felt confident in J-Dub after the last-minute Knicks trade. Who knows?

Additionally, the Thunder discovered another promising player in Jaylin Williams, taken 34th overall in the second round. He’s proved to be a valuable asset during their playoff run and has strengthened their bench.

Getting Holmgren and Williams in the same draft was a stroke of genius by Sam Presti. He had previously drafted stars like Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden; now Holmgren and Williams seem like perfect sidekicks for Gilgeous-Alexander, with the potential of becoming top players in the league soon.

Is the 2022 Draft Class the Best Ever?

So, how does the Thunder’s 2022 draft stack up against other historic classes? Here are some contenders known for securing multiple high-caliber contributors in the same draft:

Chicago Bulls 1987: Scottie Pippen (No. 5) and Horace Grant (No. 10)

This feels like the closest analogy to the Thunder’s 2022 draft. The Bulls made a transformative trade with the Seattle Supersonics, landing Pippen at No. 5 and Grant at No. 10 just minutes later. Together, these players complemented Michael Jordan, leading the Bulls to six championships.

Dallas Mavericks 2018: Luka Dončić (No. 3) and Jalen Brunson (No. 33)

Dončić’s selection during a notorious draft-day trade brought the Mavs a new superstar, while Brunson’s emergence as another key player is noteworthy, even if the team hasn’t found sustained success since.

Golden State Warriors 2012: Harrison Barnes (No. 7), Festus Ezeli (No. 30), and Draymond Green (No. 35)

It’s amusing to think that the Warriors didn’t just stumble upon talent but strategically laid the groundwork for their dynasty. Green, discovered in the second round, proved instrumental in their championship success.

Seattle SuperSonics 2008: Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka

Presti’s early draft success was critical for the Thunder’s rise to the NBA Finals in 2012, with Westbrook becoming a superstar and Ibaka offering vital rim protection.

Cleveland Cavaliers 1986: Brad Daugherty (No. 1), Ron Harper (No. 8), Mark Price (No. 25)

This draft had mixed results for the Cavs; Daugherty’s career suffered due to injuries, yet he was an All-Star, while Harper and Price contributed significantly to the team’s history.

Milwaukee Bucks 1969: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (No. 1), Bob Dandridge (No. 45)

Winning a coin flip for the first pick allowed the Bucks to draft one of the league’s greatest players, Abdul-Jabbar, and later secured another Hall of Famer in Dandridge, proving it to be perhaps the best draft class ever.

What’s your take on the best NBA Draft class? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.