Coming into the 2022 NBA Draft, the Thunder were looking to be aggressive. They couldn’t wait to get the pieces that would complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. As soon as the Draft started, they did just that, selecting the lanky Gonzaga product Chet Holmgren. Then nine picks later, they struck a deal with the Knicks to acquire Ousmane Deing. OKC had two remaining picks after the deal: number twelve and thirty four. They picked Jalen Williams out of Santa Clara, and Jaylin Williams out of Arkansas, respectively. With these draft additions, does OKC have the pieces to make the Playoffs?
Before we explore that, though, let’s talk about their Summer League performance. About two weeks after the Draft, they all suited up to play in the Salt Lake City Summer League. There were high expectations for defensive menace Chet Holmgren coming into the Thunder’s first game against the Jazz. He went above and beyond those expectations, netting 23 points, swatting six shots, and nailing four threes. The doubters were silenced. OKC looked unstoppable.
The Thunder topped the Grizzlies in their next game, but Grizzlies forward Kenneth Lofton Jr, who is north of 250 pounds, shone a light on Holmgren’s weaknesses. Rail thin Holmgren had to work hard to score, amassing a statline of only eleven points, twelve rebounds, and two blocks. For the Summer League, that’s about average. But Holmgren’s expectations are above average, and people all around the world were wondering: How’s he going to hold his own in the NBA?
Deing didn’t have to shoulder the offensive load as much as Holmgren, but he did have a modest 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists before going down with an injury. Jalen Williams showed he could get buckets, and his defense was unwavering. Jaylin Williams’ performance showed that he needed more work on the offensive end, but showed he could supply some of the little things teams needed, like effort and energy.
They only lost one game, and that left OKC’s front office elated. Imagine Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey running the offense and setting up easy looks for their teammates. They can also create shots for themselves. The pick and roll will be deadly, with Holmgren as the roller and Giddey or Gilgeous-Alexander as the ball handler. Also, Holmgren would anchor OKC’s defense, which then could be an elite one for years to come. In this situation, the Thunder would be one of the best teams in a few years. Don’t forget, they still have a boatload of draft picks in the following years, so if OKC drafts well then… well I can’t even describe it.
But, for every seemingly flawless plan, there is an if. What if Holmgren’s thin frame comes to haunt OKC moving forward? What if Deing can’t shoulder a bigger offensive burden? What if Jalen Williams’ shot creating skills don’t translate to the NBA? What if Jaylin Williams’ poor three point shooting harms the Thunder?
Let’s address these what-ifs one by one starting with Holmgren. His skinny, 195 pound frame, allows teams to relentlessly attack him for easy buckets because he’s not as strong as the opposing player. Imagine Embiid isoing against Holmgren. One little shove from Embiid and Holmgren is helpless. Assume Holmgren manages to stay with him. Embiid can just toy with Holmgren in the paint, back him down, and go for the easy dunk. Holmgren needs to add more bulk to be successful in the NBA.
Deing is not the kind of guy to lead a team’s offense. So I think he’ll make a good role player on the bench throughout his career, sort of like Robert Horry.
We saw what Jalen Williams could do with the ball in the Summer League, dunking and defending and nailing threes. But he’s also good off the ball, and with Giddey’s and Gilgeous Alexander’s playmaking abilities, I’m sure Jalen Williams will get plenty of buckets in the NBA. The other Williams, Jaylin, can improve his shooting by practicing. That’s the only thing you can do to improve your shooting. But let’s assume he does not improve his shot. Williams can be a reliable finisher inside, and will still get points in the NBA. Unfortunately, without three point shooting, he’ll probably have a limited role.
The Thunder’s future sits in the hands of their young rookies and players yet to come. Will they shine, or crumble under the pressure? We only have to wait a couple more months to see.