So far this 2024-25 NBA season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have lived up to their expectations and have even arguably surpassed them. Ranking first in the Western Conference and boasting the best defense in the league, OKC has been nothing short of spectacular.
Much of this success, of course, could not be done without their incredible players. The tenacity with which they play and their overall chemistry as a team has been a spectacle to watch, and certain players are finally getting some high-value recognition.
Five Thunder players place in NBA top 100
In a recent publication by ‘the Ringer’, they recently released their updated list of the top 100 NBA players. Conducted by a variety of experts, analysts and media personalities, the Ringer provides an accurate depiction of how good players are compared to one another.
When it comes to Oklahoma City, they had five players make the list. Here are their rankings and what the Ringer had to say:
5. Shai Gilgeous Alexander
Averaging over 30 points per game to go along with 6.3 assists and nearly two steals, SGA has proven he is one of the top players in the association. Due to his exceptional play and the leader of Loud City, he is due to add some hardware to his collection:
Now the best player on a Thunder team that’s built to reign over the Western Conference for as long as his prime, smart money has Gilgeous-Alexander’s name getting engraved in the Michael Jordan Trophy at least once. Even wiser money sees that happening in 2025.
21. Jalen Williams
Each and every season, JDub manages to find a way to get even better. Putting up career highs in almost every major statistical category, Williams has blossomed into not only a co-star alongside Shai, but has put his name on the map as one of the top rising stars the game has to offer:
…the sky’s the limit for [Williams’] potential. As long as he shares the floor with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams might never be his team’s go-to scorer—but every team would want a player with his blend of size and skills at any age, let alone one who’s just 23 years old.
34. Chet Holmgren
Before his injury, Chet was looking like the frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award while also on pace to make his first All-Star appearance. Averaging 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds and nearly three blocks per game, Chet’s game was evolving to where he could not only dominate on the defensive end, but also score from anywhere on the offensive side of the ball:
…when you catch the hints of what [Holmgren] could do, he looks a lot more like the future. You can actually see him learning in real time, improving from month to month. Holmgren may be the one spacing the floor for his teammates right now, but he’ll be the one attacking similar openings soon enough. The shot is there. The feel is there. The handle is coming along, evolving by the month.
71. Isaiah Hartenstein
Once he came back from his hand injury, Hartenstein has been nothing short of phenomenal for the Thunder. As the anchor down low, iHart has been averaging 12.5 points, 12.3 boards and 1.2 blocks per game. He has been the perfect fit for OKC, especially with Chet out with his hip injury. When Holmgren gets back though, there is no telling how dominant he and Hartenstein will truly be.
MORE: OKC Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks: What to know for the NBA Cup championship game
76. Alex Caruso
Acquired from the Chicago Bulls during the offseason, Caruso has been a true leader and absolute spark plug off the bench for Oklahoma City. While his overall numbers and stats are down, where his impact is truly shown is in the hustle plays. Caruso does all the little things perfectly and is always making the winning plays, no matter how difficult the task may be. When the game is on the line, Caruso is the guy you want in the game.
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