Thunder roster projection with Thomas Sorber: How No. 15 overall pick fits with defending NBA champions

The Thunder are coming off their best season in franchise history, which culminated in winning the NBA Finals, but their success is only beginning.

Oklahoma City entered the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft with two picks, including pick No. 15, which the team acquired from the Heat through a trade with the Clippers. Those picks are just two of the Thunder's plethora of selections over the next several years that will set it up as a power in the West.

With pick No. 15, the Thunder selected Thomas Sorber out of Georgetown, whom the team will add to its collection of young talent. Sorber is just 19 and will fit right in with this young Oklahoma City team.

Here's how he will fit with the defending champions.

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Thunder 2025 lineup projection

The Thunder return pretty much its entire team next year, as all of Oklahoma City's key players are signed at least through 2026. The starting lineup should remain intact, with Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams leading the way and Holmgren and Hartenstein forming the two-big frontcourt.

Of Oklahoma City's eight highest-paid players, only Holmgren isn't signed beyond the 2025-26 season — and even he is a restricted free agent after next year. The Thunder has its core signed for the next two years, which may make it difficult for any rookie to crack the rotation.

Additionally, the Thunder have other young players who are deserving of playing time. Nikola Topic, who Oklahoma City drafted in the lottery last year, didn't play in a game in 2024-25 and is still just 19. Additionally, Ajay Mitchell is coming off a rookie season where he played in 36 games as a second-round pick.

However, Sorber does fill one of the few needs on the team, as the Thunder could use another center. With Holmgren and Hartenstein both starting, Sorber should find some playing time off the bench in limited action, and he could be pressed into more immediate action if Holmgren suffers another serious injury.

Hartenstein is under contract for two more seasons, after which Sorber may be ready to take over as the starting center. For now, he will learn behind the veteran at the next level.

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Thunder future draft picks

Here's a look at which draft picks the Thunder own over the next three years.