NBA Hoops

Thunder Journal: Summer Recap

Thunder Journal: Summer Recap

PHOTO ⚡ OKCTHUNDER

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”

Who knew that Charles Dickens’ iconic opening line from a novel published in 1859 would become the perfect prophetic summer summary of a basketball team in Oklahoma City 162 years later? Well, nobody did because James Naismith wouldn’t even start lobbing soccer balls into peach baskets until 32 years later and Oklahoma wouldn’t become the 46th state until 48 years later.

What’s the biggest lesson here, kids? Basketball is older than Oklahoma.

Let’s recap the Thunder offseason.

The Best of Times

OKC lands the #2 pick. Without a doubt, the most exciting single moment in Thunder hoops since trading Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for Paul George. For the first time in years, OKC fans felt a sense of hope that they could be contenders again one day. And it made two years of tanking absolutely worth all those tough losses and opposing fan ridicule.

OKC drafts Chet Holmgren. Some fans preferred Jabari Smith Jr, other fans preferred Paolo Banchero. But the majority of the Thunder faithful seemed to lean towards Chet’s massive upside inside a that tiny frame. Regardless of personal preference, any of the top three seemed like a slam dunk potential superstar at a position of need. Fan fervor reaches a fever pitch.

OKC drafts two more lottery picks. The news of OKC trading multiple draft picks for the #11 pick almost qualified for The Worst of Times, but then Woj dropped a magnificent bomb: OKC was keeping the #12 pick. No matter what anyone thought of Ousmane Dieng or Jalen Williams, the Thunder was walking away with 3 of the top 12 best and most buzzed about players in the draft.

Fans fall in love with the draft class. Chet’s skinny size but stout swagger. Two Ja(y)le(i)n Williamses. The Spider-Man memes. Dieng’s endearing humility. That infectious JWill smile. JDub’s prodigious Doogie Howser intelligence. Team Tik Tok dance videos. Social media back and forth barbs. These guys seem to be as fun off the court as they are potentially talented on the court.

Mike Muscala re-signs. The sharpshooting 7 footer, locker room leader and fan favorite signed a team friendly contract to stay in OKC.

Kenrich Williams extends long term. The Nick-ish plus minus king, Swiss army knife, locker room leader and fan favorite signed a team friendly contract to stay in OKC.

Lu Dort extends long term. Yeah, I know a vocal minority are muttering this one should be in The Worst of Times…

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