Oklahoma City Thunder: A Journey to Championship Glory
Kevin Durant’s departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 4th stirred up a lot of emotions. The day after, Russell Westbrook shared a photo of some cupcakes, perhaps reflecting on the uncertain future of the franchise. Sam Presti had done well in drafting three future MVPs during his time in Oklahoma City, but with two now gone, things felt different. The Thunder experienced some success, making it to one NBA Finals and four conference finals, yet never managed to break through. And now, seeing Durant in a Golden State Warriors jersey, it felt like championship aspirations were fading.
After Durant left, Westbrook had a record-breaking year, posting the highest usage rate in NBA history at 41.65%. He became only the second player ever to average a triple-double over a season, yet the Thunder managed only 47 wins against the Houston Rockets. Presti knew he needed to take bold steps if he wanted to chase another opportunity, and he indeed made some significant moves.
On the first day of the NBA free agency, the Thunder shocked everyone by acquiring disgruntled Pacers star Paul George, sending Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to Indiana. Later that summer, they also traded for Carmelo Anthony, putting the small-market team into a luxurious tax situation. Anthony struggled, and the fit with George and Westbrook was challenging, leading to another first-round exit.
Interestingly, George managed to finish as a top MVP candidate the following year, showing potential like Durant. However, it still wasn’t enough to elevate OKC past the first round, especially when Damian Lillard ended their playoff run with a memorable buzzer-beater.
Three consecutive first-round exits meant frustration for Westbrook. Despite his incredible stats, there were questions about his impact on winning. George, now a prime superstar, had just signed an extension—yet the Thunder seemed stuck. It likely didn’t help to see Durant flourishing with the Warriors. Many thought management might still make moves to narrow the gap, but Presti looked for a different path, one that involved lean years but could eventually realize his dreams for the franchise.
When Kawhi Leonard signed with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, it came down to their ability to acquire Paul George, which led the Thunder to demand a hefty return. They were given five future first-round picks, including four unprotected ones, a pick swap, and a promising rookie guard. Westbrook was traded to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul.
The very next season, the Thunder reached the playoffs, even with the league shut down due to COVID. CP3 finished 7th in the MVP voting, proving he still had plenty left in the tank. Yet, Presti remained focused on long-term success, believing that having no championship peaked wouldn’t yield results. Paul was later traded to Phoenix and led them to the NBA Finals. After two years of turmoil, the Thunder felt cold.
Fast forward five years, and it seems Presti’s wildest dreams have come true. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a potential MVP, and the Clippers trade brought in a draft pick that became star Jalen Williams. They also secured the second overall pick in 2022 with Chet Holmgren, adding significant talent.
Now crowned NBA champions, the Thunder are living out the dreams that began with Durant, Westbrook, and Harden years ago. This championship signifies the pinnacle of Presti’s career—a culmination of bold decisions and shrewd moves. For a small-market team, this victory feels especially sweet. Moreover, what’s fascinating is that this might just be the beginning for them.
Championships in the NBA are often marked by dynasties. The past has seen teams like the Minneapolis Lakers, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and others dominate. However, since Durant’s Achilles injury during the 2019 Finals, a reshuffling has occurred in the league, with new champions emerging every year. The Thunder now stand as one of the greatest teams in NBA history, achieving success even among the youngest teams to grace the Finals. They won 68 regular-season games and had a dominant playoff run, despite some tense moments along the way.
Winning a championship doesn’t come with style points. It’s all about what hangs in the rafters. The Thunder finally captured one, now eyeing more titles in the future.
Gilgeous-Alexander, now 26, is at the top of his game. He excels like we haven’t seen since Michael Jordan, with a skill set tailored for playoffs. Meanwhile, Williams and Holmgren are positioned well to become crucial cornerstones for the team. Williams already has playoff experience and averages more than 20 points per game. Holmgren showed promise before an injury, and if he can stay healthy, he’s poised to be a significant player in the league.
Presti’s talent evaluation has been evident. He’s discovered promising players from undrafted free agents to late-second-round picks. The Thunder now boast a wealth of future draft picks and have built a roster capable of competing for years. Though there could be some expensive contracts looming, it opens up paths for trades or clever picks in the future.
The Thunder aren’t just a one-hit wonder as they hold a championship. They’re well-positioned to challenge for more rings. In an era of NBA parity, Oklahoma City seems capable of overcoming obstacles. With a bright future ahead, they’ve solidified their standing in league history.
