The challenges and the uncertainties that OKC faces ahead of the NBA 2025/26 season

For the first time in their history, the Oklahoma City Thunder are facing an NBA season as the defending champions. However, the challenge now is greater: to prove that their success was not a stroke of luck. Even if they had just raised their twentieth banner, they could not afford to rest on their laurels. The reality is that the 2025 title has sparked the ambition of multiple franchises that believe they have the tools to compete for the throne in 2025-26. With that in mind, the team led by Mark Daigneault is approaching the new season with three major questions about their immediate future.

The first and most evident dilemma is whether the Thunder are capable of repeating as champions. After finishing as first in the West last season, many underestimated their candidacy. Nevertheless, their coronation was the logical result of a project built with patience, without shortcuts, and with an undeniable identity: internal development, youth, discipline, and a winning culture based on chemistry and effort.

The good news is that the core of the team not only remains intact but continues to progress. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren seem to be entering their competitive maturity, and everything indicates that their star will keep competing at an MVP level. The doubts, however, revolve around the offensive reliability of Luguentz Dort, who has only surpassed 35% accuracy in three-pointers in two of his six seasons.

Nevertheless, Oklahoma City does not solely rely on outside shooting. If Dort fails to find his aim, Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso could take on greater roles. Both are elite defenders and solid shooters—Wallace averages a 38.9% accuracy from beyond the arc, while Caruso hovers around 37.6%—ensuring reliable alternatives on both ends of the court.

The bench also provides reasons for optimism. Players like Aaron Wiggins, Isaiah Joe, and Ajay Mitchell solidify a deep and versatile rotation, while newcomer Isaiah Hartenstein promises to provide stability in the paint. The rookie Thomas Sorber's injury setback is a challenge, but if either Jaylin Williams or Ousmane Dieng manages to make a performance leap, the interior lineup will be reinforced.

The Ousmane Dieng Case: Patience or Break?

The development of Ousmane Dieng is another hot topic for the Thunder. Selected with the 11th pick in the 2022 Draft, the 6'10" small forward has shown flashes, but his numbers still do not justify his lottery position: averaging just 4.3 points and 2.2 rebounds per game with 42.4% shooting from the field and barely 29.3% from three-point range. In the G League, his stats are much more promising, nearly reaching 17 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists with notable efficiency.

Now, entering his fourth year in the league, Dieng needs to make a statement. His preseason has shown positive signs. In his first two appearances, he has averaged 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.5 steals, demonstrating more maturity in decision-making and improved physical condition. While his shooting remains inconsistent (39.3% from the field), his evolution in team play has been evident.

The dilemma for management is clear: is it worth betting on him for the long term, or is it time to rethink his future? To earn a contract extension, Dieng will need to be more consistent in scoring and confirm that he can be a rotation pillar in a team eyeing back-to-back championships.

The final question revolves around Nikola Topic, another European talent whose development has been hampered by injuries. Drafted at 12th in the 2024 Draft, the Serbian point guard missed the entire last season due to a torn ACL and seemed ready to compete this year after a strong performance in the Summer League, averaging 10.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

However, his progress was recently halted again, as the Thunder announced he will be reevaluated in four to six weeks following testicular surgery. While this new issue is not expected to have serious consequences, Topic's medical history is becoming concerning. With over a year and a half without continuity and in such a deep roster, patience has its limits.

The dilemma with him is twofold: if he can stay healthy, his vision and creativity make him a valuable asset; if injuries persist, he could end up being considered a trade piece in future negotiations.

Oklahoma City not only has the opportunity to defend their title but also has the foundation to start a new era. The combination of youth, talent, and tactical balance positions Daigneault's team among the top championship contenders. However, the real test for these Thunder will not be reaching the top but maintaining their position. In a league where every franchise seeks its own redemption, repeating as champions will be their greatest challenge of all.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los retos y las incógnitas que tiene por delante OKC de cara a la temporada NBA 2025/26