Previous to the commerce deadline, it is secure to say that the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder had loads of property to make a serious roster transfer this season. Nevertheless, on condition that they maintain the highest seed within the West, it additionally made sense for Sam Presti and the entrance workplace to remain put on the NBA commerce deadline. In addition to, it’d simply damage the workforce to repair what is not damaged.
Sadly, staying pat additionally meant that the workforce can be dwelling with the shortcomings of its present roster. Though the workforce has been establishing itself as a Western Convention risk, it does not imply that they are flawless. In reality, the Thunder’s deadly flaw that should be fastened after the 2025 NBA All-Star break is their three-point taking pictures struggles.
A quiet NBA commerce deadline this season
Though the perfect workforce within the Western Convention has been getting the job achieved with a 46-11 document, the workforce nonetheless has some considerations to handle. Considered one of which is three-point taking pictures. As a workforce, the Thunder have shot solely 36.2% from past the arc, which is ranked thirteenth within the NBA. Whereas it is nonetheless a good taking pictures proportion, their taking pictures clip was a drop in comparison with final season’s 38.9% clip, which led the NBA.
The commerce deadline would’ve been a tempting avenue for Sam Presti and the entrance workplace to make some strikes. However as a substitute of partaking in some head-turning offers, the Thunder selected to remain quiet. In reality, they solely made two strikes previous to the deadline. Considered one of which noticed them swap second-round picks with the Charlotte Hornets. However, Oklahoma additionally bought Daniel Theis and a second-round draft decide from the New Orleans Pelicans, with Theis being waived shortly after.
Not one of the strikes moved the needle. It stays to be seen whether or not it was the appropriate determination to remain put on the deadline. Nevertheless, anybody would agree that a further championship piece like a veteran shooter would’ve been an enormous shot within the arm for Oklahoma’s title hopes.
Chet Holmgren’s return
It is secure to say that the absence of Chet Holmgren naturally leads to the workforce taking pictures worse. Holmgren’s measurement and talent to area the ground had been missed, however not an excessive amount of with the best way the Thunder has secured the pole place within the West. Nevertheless, his return ought to give the Thunder some hope to recapture their three-point taking pictures, making them a extra harmful workforce as soon as Holmgren reverts to full well being.
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This yr, Holmgren is averaging 15.3 factors, 8.1 rebounds, and a pair of.9 blocks per sport whereas hitting 39.6% from past the arc. However on condition that the Thunder are in an incredible place to safe the highest seed within the West heading into the playoffs, it might be smart to slowly break of their 7-foot-1 heart. The Thunder heart has already began to refill his damage historical past regardless of being solely 22 years of age.
Nonetheless, Oklahoma ought to hope for a completely wholesome Holmgren as soon as the playoffs roll by. With the best way the workforce is constructed, SGA and crew may have their lives a lot simpler within the playoffs if Holmgren is persistently on the ground. His capacity to play the perimeter is invaluable to a younger, up-and-coming workforce just like the Thunder that is seeking to lastly win a championship.
Ajay Mitchell, Branden Carlson signings
Though the NBA commerce deadline was uneventful on paper for Oklahoma, the Thunder did take a step in the appropriate route as soon as the buyout market got here into play. The discharge of Theis paved the best way for the workforce to transform Ajay Mitchell into a regular NBA contract. The workforce reportedly inked Mitchell to a long run deal. It was simply a no brainer on condition that Mitchell brings in some a lot wanted two-way play to supplant SGA’s MVP rise.
In 34 video games, Mitchell is averaging 6.4 factors, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 50.6% from the sector total. However extra importantly, he is additionally taking pictures 43.1% from downtown, rating third within the workforce. Changing Mitchell into a regular NBA contract permits him to develop into playoff-eligible, which means the Thunder ought to have the ability to take pleasure in his providers within the video games that matter probably the most.
After the transfer, the Thunder had been in a position make room for the signing of Branden Carlson to a two-way contract. Carlson is a strong 7-foot-0 heart, averaging 2.8 factors per sport. He at the moment leads the workforce in three-point taking pictures, changing 45.8% of his photographs from rainbow nation.
His signing ought to give the Thunder sufficient buffer time to securely break-in Holmgren again into the rotation. Furthermore, his presence also needs to assist handle the Thunder’s three-point taking pictures woes as they arrive nearer to the ultimate stretch of the common season.