The Oklahoma City Thunder had a huge step this season. Mark Daigneault’s team is currently second in the Western Conference just behind the Minnesota Timberwolves. A ranking which gives title ambitions to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the leader of the band.
Despite the magnificent season produced by the Oklahoma City Thunder, many still see them as a team of the future, not experienced enough to play leading roles in the Playoffs. The leaders, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are 25, 22 and 21 years old respectively. Sam Presti still has a boatload of Draft picks in the bank for the next few years. Only Bismack Biyombo and Gordon Hayward have experienced real runs of Post-Season. But none of these reasons alter SGA’s confidence.
The Canadian was on Malika Andrews’ microphone at ESPN and a dialogue between the two revealed the great (short-term) ambitions of the Thunder player:
“In the next five years, what do you want to accomplish?” –Malika Andrews
“Win a title” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
“Do you think you can do it this season” – Malika Andrews
“I think we are capable of anything” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai was asked if Oklahoma City is capable of winning a championship this year.
“I think we’re capable of anything.” pic.twitter.com/fhSm3DA9AT
— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) March 7, 2024
Given his team’s results, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be wrong not to believe it. A franchise fighting for first place in its Conference must have high goals, regardless of the age or experience of the squad. A little over a decade ago now (phew how time flies), a young Thunder led by Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden surprised everyone and reached the 2012 NBA Finals. A few weeks later, the bearded man’s transfer to Houston had broken the dynamic and Oklahoma City never came so close to the championship title again.
In the NBA, few things go as planned and short-term plans are the safest. Yes, currently the Thunder seem to have a bright future, but who knows what will happen in a month or a year. The team is competitive this season and not taking advantage of this great dynamic under the pretext that they will probably be better armed in two or three years would be a mistake.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sends a clear message to the competition: Oklahoma’s young guard is not just here to learn this season. Under the leadership of its MVP candidate, the Thunder positions itself as a real candidate for the title.
Source texte : Malika Andrews / ESPN
2024-03-08 10:08:00
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