Oklahoma City Thunder 2026-2027 guide
The Thunder are running it back with the core of their NBA title team, but will that be enough to stop the Spurs? Here are the key players and Dunkest surprises
After the 2025 title suggested the beginning of a multi-year run of dominance, the Oklahoma City Thunder appear to have found two worthy opponents: the Spurs and the Salary Cap. While the first challenge can be addressed on the court, the payroll has required major sacrifices in order to keep the big three together, with the gaps filled by young players who are still developing. Will that be enough to compete?
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Key players
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G, 22.0 cr.) has reached a level of consistency that few players at his position can match: his ability to routinely drop 30 points on elite shooting percentages gives him a steady and reliable Dunkest scoring floor throughout the entire season.
A two-time MVP, and definitely not by accident.
With Lu Dort gone, the roster’s main defensive weapon has become Chet Holmgren (F, 13.5 cr.): his offensive improvement – 17.1 points per game last season – has made him the indispensable piece of the frontcourt, to the point that he is also used at center in small-ball situations. If his shooting continues to develop, he will firmly establish himself as SGA’s long-term running mate as well.
Potential surprises
Dort’s spot will be filled by Cason Wallace (G, 8.5 cr.): 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists do not make him a major box-score contributor, but his defensive role will allow him to start and stay on the floor for heavy minutes.
Jared McCain (G, 6.5 cr.) was a hugely important offensive catalyst in Jalen Williams’ absence during the Playoffs: this young guard’s enormous offensive talent, acquired from the Sixers for just one first-round pick, allows him to break up Shai’s monopoly on possessions while adding speed and creativity to the playmaking. Formally, he will inherit Aaron Wiggins’ role and should therefore see significant minutes.
Players to avoid
Aday Mara’s strong Preseason debut (C, 7.0 cr.) could cast a shadow over Isaiah Hartenstein (C, 10.5 cr.): questions had already emerged about the German during the Playoffs, so the Spanish big man could accelerate the process of moving on from his expensive contract. Regardless of Mara, however, Hartenstein has never shown enough offensive upside to justify the investment required to roster him on your Dunkest teams.
Projected starting five
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Guard, 22.0 Credits)
SG: Cason Wallace (Guard, 8.5 Credits)
SF: Jalen Williams (Forward, 13.0 Credits)
PF: Chet Holmgren (Forward, 13.5 Credits)
C: Isaiah Hartenstein (Center, 10.5 Credits)
Power Ranking
Losing important pieces after a painful elimination does not exactly suggest a reversal of fortunes: the young players will need time, and Jalen Williams does not offer enough physical reliability to consistently recreate the partnership with SGA that delivered the title. The huge number of assets at their disposal suggests there is room to make moves if necessary, but contractual restrictions limit their flexibility. For now, they enter the season slightly behind the heavily favored Spurs.
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