NFL
By: Monte Perez:
We all have a friend, cousin, or co-worker who just can’t seem to keep a boyfriend/girlfriend. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA version of that person. This is an organization that has had a history of NBA All-Stars but can never “keep” their man. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can’t be next, can he? Below is a list of great players who once wore the Thunder jersey.
- James Harden (76ers)
- Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
- Steven Adams ( Memphis Grizzlies)
- Russell Westbrook (Los Angeles Lakers)
- Paul George
- Carmelo Anthony
- Serge Ibaka ( Milwaukee Bucks)
- Victor Oladipo ( Miami Heat)
- Reggie Jackson (Los Angeles Clippers)
- Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings)
- Chris Paul (Phoenix Suns)
- Danilo Gallinari (Boston Celtics).
Oklahoma once had 5 Hall of Fame players on their roster. They have another potential HOF Player on their team right now. It is early in his career, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a player that the front office must build around and keep him on their roster. Gilgeous-Alexander was selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets with the 11th overall pick and was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers the very same night. On July 10, 2019, the Clippers traded Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and the rights to swap two other first-round picks to the OKC Thunder for Paul George.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the best players in the NBA this season. He is averaging 31.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per contest. He is shooting 50.6% from the field and 93.3% from the free-throw line. He is 4th in the NBA, shooting 10.1 free throws per game. The Thunder have a 2-way player in Gilgeous, who should be part of their organization for years to come. The front office needs to build through the draft and do everything it can to sign free agents in their prime. Shai is only 24 years old and has a decade to grow, develop, and become an elite player. Josh Giddey is a 21-year-old shooting guard who is averaging 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. Chet Holmgren was drafted NO.2 overall by the Thunder but he will be out for the year with a foot injury. The core is here for OKC, The question is can they keep their players in Oklahoma and finally build a consistent winner? Thunder fans are one of the loudest and most loyal fans in the NBA. They deserve better.
Follow The Sports Whisperer on Twitter: MonteJp231 and on Tik Tok: MontePerez231
