After losing in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been on the path to redemption. They made major moves in the offseason to shed some of their core players for better flexibility, and it has a good chance of panning out well.
Parting ways with players like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Lu Dort was tough, but it was for the betterment of the Thunder's long-term future. Now, they are focused on competing yet again, as they want their championship back.
LeBron James thinks the Thunder should not be counted out
Ahead of the 2026-27 season, the Thunder are certainly one of the favorites to get out of the Western Conference when the Playoffs come around. The team that beat them, the San Antonio Spurs, are the other team considered favorites.
The Thunder are definitely looking for payback against the Spurs for beating them in the WCF. It will be a huge motivator for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the rest of the Thunder's players.
MORE: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoulders some of the blame for the 2026 Playoffs exit
From an outside perspective, it seems the Thunder are still quite a formidable team. That is why new Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James is not looking over the Thunder as title contenders when June 2027 rolls around.
"I think it's very important that we, as fans of the game, don't write off OKC just yet... We're quick to turn the page a lot faster than we should, and I hope that we do not turn the page too fast on OKC," James said on his Mind the Game podcast with Steve Nash.
"They have too much talent, too much experience, and I think they were hungry last year, and injuries can always affect things. If they're healthy, they'll be right there again."
James makes some compelling points, especially when some people outright ignore the Thunder in favor of the Spurs. That series went to seven, so it could have gone either way, and with the Thunder's list of injuries, the Spurs could have easily lost that series.
Moving forward, it seems that most basketball fans are aware of the Thunder. However, they should still be seen as one of the top teams in the league, as they do not deserve to get overlooked.
More NBA news:
- JJ Redick throws some shade at the Knicks, the Spurs, and the Thunder's title hopes
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander commends Russell Westbrook's impact on the Thunder
- Jared McCain laughs at the viral clip he was part of alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Thomas Sorber loves how the Thunder helped him during his injury-riddled rookie year
- Sam Presti's statement reveals the future outlook for Cason Wallace
