OKC Thunder Defense Expected to Rank Among the NBA’s Top Units Next Season
A common criticism of the modern NBA is its perceived lack of defense, with many viewing today’s style of play as “softer” and overly focused on scoring and shooting.
However, a closer look at the league’s top teams reveals that a strong defensive unit is a common thread among them.
The Oklahoma City Thunder exemplifies this, finishing last season in the top five for defensive rating. This defensive prowess was a key factor in their climb to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, driven by standout performances from Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jasmyn Wimbish of CBS Sports ranked Oklahoma City as the third-best defensive unit heading into the 2024-25 season, and it’s easy to see why. The team not only retained its key defensive contributors from last season but also made significant upgrades.
The addition of Alex Caruso, a veteran guard who was named to last season’s All-Defensive second team, strengthens an already formidable perimeter defense. Caruso, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dort form a formidable trio that can challenge opposing guards.
Caruso will replace Josh Giddey, who had been a defensive liability for the Thunder. This change eliminates a weakness that opponents could exploit, raising expectations for the team’s defense.
The acquisition of Isaiah Hartenstein further bolsters Oklahoma City’s big man rotation. Hartenstein, who thrived with the New York Knicks last year and played a crucial role in their playoff run, brings strong interior defense and rebounding. His presence, alongside Holmgren, provides the Thunder with an elite rim protector at all times and addresses previous rebounding issues, notably against the Dallas Mavericks in the playoffs.
Oklahoma City achieved what any contender should in the offseason: improving without major sacrifices. Caruso and Hartenstein should seamlessly fit into the existing system and enhance its strength. With defense being a cornerstone of their strategy, the Thunder is poised to be one of the NBA’s top defensive units once again.
