When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander arrived at the Oklahoma City Thunder, no one predicted the dramatic change in the team’s fortunes. SGA would become a perennial scorer and premier defender, clocking in 34.7 minutes in his first Thunder match, and averaging 19.0 points per game. Now, in 2025, ‘The Accountant’ stands as the MVP, and OKC is shaking the league’s foundations.
On Monday night, the Thunder took a 3-1 lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves. OKC looks set to close the game out at the Paycom Center, which would be their first NBA finals since 2012. With all the hymns and praises coming their way, there is no apprehension about how this Thunder team could become a dynasty, according to an NBA insider.
NBA Insider Believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder Can Become Immortal
NBA Insider Brian Windhorst often delivers fascinating takes on teams and player profiling, as he articulated the Thunder’s destiny in an episode of ‘Get Up.’
He stated, “The reason people would say [no] is because they didn’t believe that Jalen Williams was a good enough number two and that Chet Holmgren was a good enough number three. Well, I present to you the Western Conference finals.”
Is OKC a superteam in the making?
“The reason people would say [no] is because they didn’t believe that Jalen Williams was a good enough number two and that Chet Holmgren was a good enough number three. Well, I present you this Western Conference finals.” —@WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/CWXeIjY56Y
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 27, 2025
Like SGA, Williams packed his bags from Santa Clara to OKC by burning his midnight oil. His points graph for each season screams substantial improvement, and he climbs up the ladder in each passing game.
- 2022-23 – 14.1
- 2023-24 – 19.1
- 2024-25 – 21.6
“Jalen Williams was absolutely brilliant in this game. Arguably the best performance in his career. Career-high in the playoffs, 34 points, made big shot after big shot,” said Windhorst, scrutinizing Williams’ performance in these playoffs.
Correspondingly, Holmgren arrived as the 1st round, 2nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, raising the bar for new-age centers. He’s an elite shot blocker, and his footwork for a 7-footer is immaculate.
Windhorst continued, “Chet Holmgren, 21 points, some big defensive plays, including a block at the end of the game. That was absolutely a jaw-dropping play.”
A Dynasty in the Making?
Despite not winning the championship yet, the Thunder have all the tools to create a dynasty like the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers, or the Chicago Bulls, to name a few. The iconic teams won multiple championships in their yesteryears.
“It’s not a coronation yet, but this big three looks so impressive, and they are so poised to keep them together and add to them in the years to come,” pointed out Windhorst, who gleefully acknowledged the budding superstars.
Considering their average age, the term “young” factors into the debate, as OKC’s average age is 25.54. Alex Caruso, the oldest player on the team, who’s 31, remains an ‘uncle’ to these vibrant OKC players. On the other hand, the contract situation looks satisfactory, with most players having deals tied up to 2027.
Holmgren will also be eligible for an extension soon during the 2025 offseason, and the Thunder could keep their core intact. They have multiple draft picks for the future, and this Thunder team could raise the bar, unless they make a diabolical blunder.
