Despite leading in almost every statistic possible and passing the eye test, not many in and around the NBA consider the OKC Thunder as favorites to win the championship. The Thunder have by far been the best team in a stacked Western Conference and only really fall behind the Cavaliers in the entire league. That’s got to be impressive, correct? Well, not exactly. While everyone considers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Co. a great team, teams such as the Warriors, Lakers, or Nuggets won’t be afraid to come up against them in the playoffs.
However, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst thinks otherwise. In fact, he’s tired of the disrespect that gets thrown toward OKC despite being a top team in the league. “My God! Is there an incredible amount of disrespect for this team (OKC), mad dog it’s not just you, I hear it every day. I hear it implicitly from other, you know people, I talk to in the league, I hear it implicitly from players out there who were like yeah, yeah, we’ll be all fine with on the same side of the bracket as Oklahoma City. They just don’t respect them.” Windhorst stated in a frustrating tone. He emphasized that not just the analysts and reporters think this about OKC, but even the players aren’t afraid of being in the same playoff bracket as them.
It feels like the Thunder are yet to earn the respect of their opponents even after they are on the verge of back-to-back top-seed finishes. Last year, they went out against the eventual championship finalists, the Dallas Mavericks, in a tight series. On top of that, OKC has one of the most efficient scorers in the league– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Well, his performances are second to none. He might just be this season’s MVP if he keeps performing at this level. Moreover, they are a defensively sound team. So, it’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that other teams don’t view them as a serious threat. The only reason Brian Windhorst could come up for this disrespect was that they are a young team.
Feb 7, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) smiles after scoring against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images.
That’s true! OKC isn’t the most battle-tested team in the league. “I get it, they’re the youngest team in the league, and you look at any league in any sport you’re never going to respect the youngest team,” Windhorst said. That’s a solid analogy right there! The Thunder dominated the regular season, but when it comes to playing under win-or-go-home pressure that’s when more seasoned teams shine. That’s likely the reason teams aren’t afraid of going up against them.
Well, it’s just the sports life cycle, soon, OKC will enter that battle-hardened team bracket, and then not many would want to go up against them. Well, this is what Brian Windhorst thinks. Meanwhile, Stephen A. Smith thinks OKC needs to solve another issue.
Is OKC missing one final piece? Stephen A. Smith weighs in
After Brian Windhorst went on a long rant, Stephen A. Smith agreed with the ESPN journalist’s views on OKC Thunder. However, he thinks with just one trade the Thunder can be considered an absolute force in the league, not that they aren’t that. But, another great scorer alongside Shai Gilgeous Alexander could just be the push they need to win that coveted championship they’ve been eyeing for a long time. He started off by elaborating on why the teams don’t fear Oklahoma City. “Jalen Williams, who is a special special talent brother can ball, got mad love for him. But, the inconsistencies have got to stop.” Smith stated.
He raised some genuine concerns over Jalen Williams’ ability to perform under high-pressure situations like the playoffs. Can Williams go in every game and drop at least 20 points? Stephen A. Smith doesn’t think so. The 23-year-old forward is having a stellar season averaging 21.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. However, Smith thinks his regular-season performances won’t translate to the playoffs. Well, there’s no other way to know this, until we see Williams play in the latter stages of the competition, Smith believes if OKC cannot get the job done this season then, “The Oklahoma City Thunder should go and get Kevin Durant back.”
“The Oklahoma City Thunder should go and get Kevin Durant back.”
—@stephenasmith on where KD should land if the Thunder don’t win it all this season pic.twitter.com/uaB3qO26yn
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 3, 2025
Well, it might surprise many, but Kevin Durant could be the missing piece for OKC. “They have so many assets, they have stuff to give away, they can’t possibly use all of them,” Smith emphasized. For starters the Thunder have a plethora of picks they have 4 first-round picks in the 2025 draft alone! Sam Presti and Co. good go all out and get KD. Well, it’s not breaking news that the Suns are struggling and things aren’t going to get any better in Phoenix. So, this deal might just benefit both teams. However, will OKC pull the trigger on such a massive trade remains to be seen. Till then, we’ll have to wait and watch.
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