Victor Wembanyama has dominated the rookie phenom discourse but Chet Holmgren is finally emerging from the shadows. He scored 36 points and hit a game-tying three in an overtime win over the Golden State Warriors, showcasing his brilliance. Holmgren’s talent is sometimes overshadowed by the deep talent pool in Oklahoma City compared to San Antonio. The tandem of Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is showing promise. On the other hand, Gilgeous-Alexander’s name was being discussed for trade a year ago amidst queries over how much tanking he could tolerate. Oklahoma City was among the frontrunners to land Wembanyama. SGA’s breakout, along with Jalen Williams’ emergence, has accelerated their ascension.
Oklahoma City now has one of the best collections of rising young players in basketball. The team’s offense boasts the highest 3-point shooting percentage in the league and is excelling in other metrics as well. The long and rangy players Presti has assembled in Oklahoma City are beginning to form a formidable team. Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Williams are showing great potential. Even Draymond Green is being left behind by the evolving basketball landscape. Holmgren, in particular, is standing out with his unique combination of skills and length.
In conclusion, Oklahoma City seems to be ahead of the curve in terms of adapting to the changing dynamics of the game. Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors, iconic figures in recent basketball history, are not as dominant as they once were. The future seems to belong to teams like Oklahoma City, with their young, talented, and versatile players.