Oklahoma City Thunder Preview 2021
Our Oklahoma City Thunder preview 2021 observes that since 2008 when this team moved from Seattle and dropped the appellation SuperSonics, they’ve made it into the postseason 10-of-13 seasons. In 2012, they went all the way to the NBA Finals. However, they were bested by the Miami Heat, losing one game to four. Last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-50) finished last in the division and 14th in the conference. Veteran losses, including Al Horford, have diminished this team even more.
Thunder Frontcourt
The frontcourt includes second-year center Isaiah Roby, second-year power forward Darius Bazley, and rookie small forward Josh Giddey. Our Oklahoma City Thunder preview 2021 observes that Roby became a regular rotation player last season and gained a lot of experience. Bazley had issues with his shot, but proved to be a fine rebounder. He averaged 8.7 PPG and 5.6 RPG. Giddey, who’s the youngest Australian in the NBL to record a triple double, will play immediately.
Players off the bench include Aleksej Pokusevski at power forward, Derrick Favors center, and Kenrich Williams small forward. Favors is the vet of the group. But he’s in decline. Last season, Williams excelled, setting new career marks, while Pokusevski was the youngest active player in the league last season. He averaged 8.7 PPG and 4.2 RPG.
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview – Backcourt
Point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (23.7 PPG, 5.9 APG, 4.7 RPG) is a gifted shooter. In 2020-2021, he converted 50.8 percent of his field goals and 41.8 percent of his threes. He was good on 80.8 percent of his frees. A truly gifted player, he’s capable or playing shooting or point guard and small or power forward. Shooting guard Luguentz Dort is an inconsistent scorer who can hit shots in batches. Thus, on offense, he’s off and on. However, he’s a high energy, solid defender. Rookie Tre Mann, who was first team All-SEC last season, will sub in at both spots.
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview 2021 – Final Word
Last year, Mark Daigneault’s (22-50) first season as a head coach was spent focusing on ensuring the Thunder would do well in the draft. This season, and most likely next, will be spent developing what is one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Our Oklahoma City Thunder preview 2021 notes that only two of Oklahoma City’s 19 players have eight or more years of NBA experience. The rest have four or fewer. This is going to take time, but the payoff could be big.
NBA West - Northwest Division Summary - Oklahoma City Thunder 2021
12th Place NBA West/Fifth Place NBA Northwest
No Playoff Appearance