expecting more of a run from TSJ this season, and he had been going crazy in summer league before they pulled him out of it. and probably hoping for a big step from dillingham coming into his second year. they lost NAW but lotta the bench guys should improve
Thunder are probably even less vulnerable next season, progression isn’t linear but still lots of young guys who could be even better next year
All of that is true, but it’s very hard to repeat and very hard to keep that motivational edge / chip on your shoulder. They’re the champs and the main 3 (?) just got huge bags of cash given to them. They may still go 60-22 or some shit but wouldn’t be surprised if they’re more like 55-27 and just sleepwalk through most of the season. The bitterness of the loss to Dallas is gone. Whether sleepwalking through the season (if they do) impacts them in the playoffs who knows, but a lot of small variables that could make a lot of changes for how next season plays out.
Even without Jonas, they greatly improved, and all signs are pointing to Jonas playing. The Thunder aren’t world beaters, they very well could have lost both the Nuggets series and Pacers series. Denver is absolutely in the same tier
I lost the tweet but some clippers fan posted a photo of them 4 and said “what are we calling this super team” and someone said Out, doubtful, probable, and GTD Got a laugh out of me