Sam Presti is already calling his shot for the 2026-27 Oklahoma City Thunder, telling ESPN’s Baxter Holmes on Thursday that he thinks this group has “a chance to be as good if not better than any of the teams we’ve had.” That’s a massive claim for a squad trying to outdo their 68-win championship team from 2025, especially after last season’s heartbreaking Western Conference Finals exit.
Last Season’s ‘Another Level’
Honestly, last season felt like a gut punch, right? The Thunder rolled to a killer 64-18 record in 2025-26, but then fell short, losing to the San Antonio Spurs in seven brutal games in the Western Conference Finals. You gotta remember, this is a team that hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2025 after a dominant 68-win run. Presti himself even admitted, “I think the team last year had another level to it. I think we could have got to another level.” So, what makes him think this year is the one to reach it, especially after parting ways with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins this offseason? It’s a bold move to shed talent and then declare you’re getting *better*.
The MVP Chase and Young All-Stars
The answer, for Presti, clearly lies in the core. This roster still boasts that insane star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. Shai’s on a whole other planet, trying to snag his third consecutive MVP award, a feat not seen since Larry Bird pulled it off back in 1984-86! Presti isn’t holding back, saying, “We have three guys, two of which are not even in their prime, that are All-NBA players, and also the other guy that’s a back-to-back MVP, and he’s only getting better as well in his prime.” That’s just wild to think about. Williams and Holmgren have each already grabbed an All-Star nod since the 2024-25 season started, proving they’re legit. Plus, the Thunder still have capable backcourt options like Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace, and Jared McCain, along with a frontcourt rotation featuring Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams. Let’s not forget Mitchell and Jalen Williams were both sidelined for Game 7 against San Antonio due to injuries, which definitely changes the perspective on that WCF loss.
This year, the Thunder are still looking like a top contender to win another championship. But here’s the kicker: their Achilles’ heel last year was the Spurs. They went a dismal 4-8 against San Antonio during the prior regular season and playoffs. With Victor Wembanyama still lurking, how the Thunder tackle those matchups is gonna be *everything*. Can they truly take that “another level” jump Presti is talking about? We’re about to find out, and it’s going to be a must-watch season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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