Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Profile: Five things you need to know

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basketball.com.au

Oklahoma City Thunder relocated from Seattle in 2008

Dynamic offense led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Defensive anchor Chet Holmgren in his second season
One of the NBA's youngest rosters with massive potential

The Oklahoma City Thunder are a professional basketball team that has quickly rebuilt into a Western Conference contender behind a core of young stars. Based in Oklahoma City since 2008 after relocating from Seattle, the Thunder have become one of the NBA's most exciting teams to watch.

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Home Arena: Paycom Center
Year Founded: 1967 (as Seattle SuperSonics)
Championships: 1 (1979 as SuperSonics)
Major Rivals: Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks

Australians who played for OKC

Josh Giddey: Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Giddey was selected by the Thunder with the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. He played for Oklahoma City from 2021 to 2024, showcasing exceptional playmaking abilities and versatility. In June 2024, Giddey was traded to the Chicago Bulls.

Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder brings the ball up in a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 20, 2021 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images

Identity

The Thunder have established an identity as a young, athletic team that plays at a fast pace. Head coach Mark Daigneault has implemented an uptempo offense that leverages the team's speed and shooting ability. Defensively, the Thunder aim to be disruptive, using their length and quickness to generate turnovers and transition opportunities.

Oklahoma City's playing style is built around the talents of All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA's elite shot creation and playmaking skills allow him to orchestrate the offense, while his improved outside shooting keeps defenses honest. The addition of Chet Holmgren gives OKC a versatile big man who can protect the rim and space the floor.

The Thunder organisation has cultivated a strong team culture focused on player development. They've shown a willingness to be patient with young talent, allowing prospects like Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams to play through mistakes and grow. This approach has accelerated the team's rebuilding process.

Seattle Supersonics forward Shawn Kemp (right) and guard Gary Payton confer during the NBA All-Star game in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1997. Photo: Brian Bahr/Allsport

Legacy & Impact

Despite being a relatively young franchise, the Thunder have already left their mark on NBA history. The Kevin Durant/Russell Westbrook era saw Oklahoma City emerge as a perennial contender, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012. Even after Durant's departure, Westbrook's MVP season in 2016-17 gave Thunder fans an unforgettable year.

The current iteration of the Thunder is writing its own legacy. After a brief rebuild, OKC has returned to the playoffs ahead of schedule. Gilgeous-Alexander has developed into one of the league's premier guards, while Holmgren's rookie impact suggests he could be a franchise cornerstone. With a surplus of draft picks, the Thunder are positioned to be competitive for years to come.

Key figures in Thunder history include Durant, Westbrook, and Nick Collison, whose number 4 jersey was the first retired by the franchise. Current stars like Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren are laying the groundwork to join that group of Thunder legends.

Five Fast Facts:

The Thunder have made the playoffs 10 times since moving to Oklahoma City in 2008
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished second in MVP voting for the 2023-24 season
OKC has accumulated one of the largest stockpiles of future draft picks in NBA history
The Thunder set an NBA record for largest margin of defeat, losing by 73 points to Memphis in 2021
Despite being one of the NBA's smallest markets, the Thunder consistently rank in the top half of the league in attendance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket against Anfernee Simons #1 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half at Moda Center on November 01, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Soobum Im/Getty Images

Club Timeline

2008: Franchise relocates from Seattle to Oklahoma City

2010: Thunder make first playoff appearance in Oklahoma City

2012: Reach NBA Finals, falling to Miami Heat

2016: Kevin Durant departs in free agency

2019: Russell Westbrook traded, beginning rebuild

2024: Return to playoffs as Western Conference's #1 seed

Key Statistics

All-Time Record: 2,486-2,204 (.530 winning percentage)

Championship History: 1 NBA Championship (1979 as Seattle SuperSonics)

Hall of Fame Players: 6 (Gary Payton, Spencer Haywood, Lenny Wilkens, Dennis Johnson, Jack Sikma, Ray Allen)

Retired Numbers: 7 (1, 4, 10, 19, 24, 32, 43)

Notable Records: NBA record for most points in a quarter (58 vs. Denver, 3/16/2019)

Today

The Thunder enter the 2024-25 season as one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA. After a surprising run to the Western Conference's top seed last year, expectations are high for this young squad to take another step forward.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as a bonafide superstar, combining elite scoring ability with improved playmaking. His partnership with Chet Holmgren, now entering his sophomore season, gives OKC one of the most promising young duos in the league. The addition of Alex Caruso via trade should bolster the team's perimeter defense, while rookies Nikola Topic and Dillon Jones provide additional depth.

Head coach Mark Daigneault, fresh off winning Coach of the Year, will look to build on last season's success. With their core gaining valuable playoff experience and the continued development of young talent like Jalen Williams, the Thunder appear poised to be a force in the Western Conference for years to come. The challenge now is translating potential into postseason success as they aim to bring another championship to Oklahoma City.