Why the injury-depleted Thunder are so much fun to watch
Oklahoma City’s NBA championship window will last as long as Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren stick together between now and the back ends of their primes.
At least.
And because SGA, Jay-Dub and Chet are in their eighth, fourth and third seasons, call it another five after this one and that’s presuming the Thunder fail to draft or acquire another in their realm; which, of course, could totally happen given Sam Presti remains the best GM in the league.
Good news.
Lots to cheer about now.
Lots more to look forward to.
So, that’s the window, between five seasons after this one and forever, barring calamity, we’ll see.
But do you know when that window may narrow?
Sure, every season San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama improves, his singular presence having much to do with Spurs’ victories over the Thunder on Dec. 13, 15 and 25.
Beyond that?
Though it depends where they go, when OKC begins shedding some of the best depth in the league.
Not because the Thunder can’t remain atop the Western Conference without that depth. OKC’s astounding draft capital will offer the chance to recoup quickly. Instead, because, sooner or later, some of that depth will be playing against its old team.
Can OKC keep Aaron Wiggins forever? How about Cason Wallace? Or Isaiah Joe? Or Jaylin Williams — Jay-Will — the Thunder’s No. 3 big man behind Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, who’s wildly underrated?
