Thunder Emphasize Growth, Adaptability and Chemistry Entering the New Season
The Thunder enter the new season with a reshaped roster but the same foundation, relying on development, adaptability and chemistry to define the next chapter in Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the new season with a different-looking roster, but the message from inside the organization remains consistent: development, adaptability and chemistry will continue to define this year’s team.
One of the biggest areas of focus is the continued development of Chet Holmgren after the way his season ended against the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praised Holmgren’s work ethic and consistency, calling him a “really, really, really good basketball player” who “works super hard” and is “super motivated.”
Holmgren echoed those thoughts saying his work this summer centered on continuing to improve while finding a balance in his development, saying he is “always excited to kind of chase improvement” and that he thinks he “found a good balance of that this summer.”
The Thunder also have more options in the front-court, giving head coach Mark Daigneault additional flexibility. Rather than forcing the team into once style, Daigneault said Oklahoma City will focus on maximizing the strengths of its personnel instead of forcing big name lineups. And that could make things looks a little “weird” for Thunder fans but it’s on par for who the Thunder are as a team.
“Our philosophy, form a stylistic standpoint, is you take what you have in terms of strengths and you figure out how to best use it,” Daigneault said.
That mindset is reflected in players such as Thunder veteran Kenrich Williams, who stated that “Wherever I’m put in position, I’ll adapt.”
Oklahoma City’s younger players are also preparing for expanded responsibilities. Two bigger names being Cason Wallace and Jared McCain. Alex Caruso praised Cason Wallace’s work ethic and fearlessness, saying he “isn't stepping into a larger role.” Wallace also discussed helping the players younger than him, remembering his own experience when he first joined the team.
“I was that guy when I first got here,” Wallace said.
Chemistry remains another major part of the Thunder’s identity. Caruso said the team’s group chat stayed active throughout the summer, even after part of the old core was traded away.
“We’re still talking and sharing opinions of stuff through the summer,” Caruso said.
That sense of connection extends beyond the court, the “soul of the game” that general manager Sam Presti alluded to in his press conference. Jared McCain discussed the support he received after arriving in Oklahoma, saying there was initially a “lot of unknown” but that organization treated him “like family.”
McCain also emphasized giving back and treating people with respect.
“I just try to do that everywhere I go,” he said.
As the Thunder move into the preseason, then the regular season, their players and coaches continue to point toward the same foundation: keep improving, embrace the different roles, and maintain the culture that has helped bring the group together.