The NBA Season is back! Just like your favorite superhero story, the NBA brings fun, entertainment, and a lot of uncanny subplots to unpack. That’s why NBA.com Philippines decided to preview the new season comic-book style. We pick out fantastic characters that will take the stage and new amazing arcs to watch out for. Bang! Pow! Boom! Let’s go!
What’s their superpower?
There is palpable excitement surrounding the OKC Thunder for this season. Their budding core headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is poised to make a lot of noise. They’re a deep team who have weapons in every position. Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Jalen Williams, and Jaylin Williams have all the makings of a playoff contender. The youth movement is in full swing, especially with the impending debut of 2022 No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren.
What’s their kryptonite?
Even though youth is the team’s greatest asset, it can also serve as a double-edged sword. The team needs experience and time to figure out how to win. They’ll likely rack up a few wins at the start of the season but the intrigue lies in facing more talented veteran teams like the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Phoenix Suns.
Who is their biggest hero?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander belongs to that next wave of NBA superstars who are set to take over the league. He is fresh off an All-NBA First team selection and was even mentioned in MVP conversations. Is he going to take his game to even greater heights? Where does he rank among young stars like Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum? And with defenses hell-bent on stopping him every night, how will he adjust as the team’s best player?
Filipino fans saw firsthand the greatness of SGA during the FIBA World Cup. He’s adding layers to his offensive game without sacrificing his playmaking or defensive capabilities. Everyone loves a bucket-getter and Gilgeous-Alexander is as elite as they come.
Who is their biggest villain?
It’s been well-documented that the OKC front office has a lot of assets. Add the growing potential of its current roster, will the Thunder be pressured to make a “win-now” move and trade some of their assets for another star?
OKC’s young core is secured at least for the next year. However, every team, including a promising group like the Thunder, has a timeline. If they come out flat to start the season, will they be prompted to make changes? Do they value growth in incremental steps or will they take a swing at the trade deadline or in the next offseason?
How does their story play out?
The Thunder won 40 games last season and were one game short of a playoff berth before stumbling in the Play-In Tournament. Matching their record last year or even adding two to five wins shouldn’t be that far-fetched since they have the talent. But the West remains as competitive as ever and the team’s chemistry and experience will be put to the test.
Regardless of their win total, the Thunder will be one of the League Pass teams this season. The young players will be extremely fun to watch as their potential is through the roof.
