The Oklahoma City Thunder are not a popular pick for success this season. ESPN’s panel of experts isn’t exactly debating how good they’ll be; the question was more about how bad.
The group of reporters predicted how the Western Conference teams will fare this season. Oklahoma City finished in a tie for last place with the Houston Rockets.
“The Rockets and Thunder, two former titans of the conference, taking severe and abrupt falls — strategically, mind you — to set themselves up for long-term success,” wrote Royce Young, the ESPN reporter who is moving into the Thunder front office.
ESPN predicted a final record of 22-60 for both teams.
Last season, Houston finished with the worst record in the NBA. Though the team did not end up with the No. 1 pick, it did get several intriguing rookies, most notably No. 2 pick Jalen Green.
The Rockets also ended up with Alperen Sengun, acquired in a draft-day trade with none other than the Thunder.
Oklahoma City’s offseason was not nearly as exciting. Houston did not drop to No. 5 in the draft lottery, meaning the Rockets did not have to convey their pick to OKC. Then, the Thunder themselves dropped to the No. 6 pick.
They found themselves drafting four rookies, led by Josh Giddey with their top pick.
Giddey will take the court alongside Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is OKC’s one hope of not finishing as the worst team in the conference.
“The Rockets will be a League Pass darling with rookie Jalen Green, and the Thunder continue to be a compelling rebuild to watch with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — newly christened with a max deal — and intriguing No. 6 pick Josh Giddey.”
