The OKC Thunder enter the 2026-2027 season with high expectations. Two years ago, the Thunder won the NBA Finals. Last year, they lost a tough Western Conference Finals in seven games to the San Antonio Spurs. This year they’re aiming for the championship again. Here’s your primer for all things Thunder in 2026-2027.
Depth Chart
Projected Starters:
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Cason Wallace
SF: Jalen Williams
PF: Chet Holmgren
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Projected Rotation Players
PG/SG: Ajay Mitchell
PG/SG: Jared McCain
SG: Alex Caruso
PF/C: Jaylin Williams
Offseason Overview
GM Sam Presti and head coach Mark Daigneault remain the leaders of this Thunder team off the court. On the court, the trades of Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins mean major depth chart changes. Dort’s departure changes the Thunder the most, as the team loses a starter and its main defensive wing. Joe was the Thunder’s three-point specialist. Versatile wing Wiggins contributed as a key offensive reserve.
Four Thunder starters from last season remain; the fifth starter will probably be Cason Wallace, the player most able to fill Dort’s defensive shoes. Ajay Mitchell is the likely sixth man, with Jaylin Williams, Alex Caruso and Jared McCain as the next three off the bench.
The Thunder have several younger players who will be asked to step up this year. Kenrich Williams may also play more minutes due to a lack of forwards. Trades and signings could still change the depth chart, too, as one roster spot remains open and Wallace’s extension remains unsigned. Presti has shown a willingness to trade star rookie contract players if the sides can’t agree on an extension — James Harden, Jeff Green, Reggie Jackson, Josh Giddey. The most likely outcome is that Wallace stays in OKC, but if there isn’t an extension in place by mid-October, things may get interesting.
Strengths
Defense
The Thunder’s defense is their best weapon. They force a ton of turnovers and understand the help defense ballet better than anyone else. Chet and IHart are among the league’s best rim protectors.
Isolation Scoring
Shai is the reigning MVP and the most consistent offensive player in the league. JDub is one of the best young wing scorers. Ajay Mitchell has emerged as an intriguing young guard in his own right. At least one will be hot when they’re on the floor.
Weaknesses
Rebounding & Size
Hartenstein is an excellent rebounder, but he has an outsized effect on team rebounding; without him, the Thunder often lose their size advantage, playing more small guards than the opponent. Their frontcourt outside of IHart isn’t great at cleaning the glass either. They can get bullied by bulkier players.
SGA-less Offense
Shai works to keep the team involved, and Hartenstein is a key frontcourt playmaker with picks, pitches and dribble handoffs when he’s on the floor; without them, the ball can stick. In the regular season this matters less, but in the playoffs, when ball pressure ramps up, playmaking suffers.
Health
The Thunder lost a lot of players due to health last year; winning 64 games was a testament to depth and coaching, but the injuries took their toll in the playoffs. They have less cushion this year. They cannot lose that many key players to injury in the playoffs again and expect to win.
Key October/November Games
October 20, Opening Night: Thunder at Spurs
An important look at a budding rivalry and a national TV showcase.
October 22, Home Opener: Nuggets at Thunder
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are a tough nut for the Thunder. Potential playoff matchup.
November 22: Thunder at Heat
The Thunder’s first chance at the new-look Heat with Giannis Antentokounmpo. An important test.
November 25: Timberwolves at Thunder
LaMelo Ball. Anthony Edwards. Rudy Gobert. A two-way challenge and a potential playoff matchup.
Thunder Up
The Thunder are a top championship contender, despite a handful of issues and question marks. Barring injury, this team can (and maybe should) make the Finals.
This article appears in Thunder Season Preview.