Thunder's Unreached Ceiling
Thunder general manager Sam Presti predicts the franchise's best basketball is still ahead
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Key Points
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Oklahoma City’s title-season net rating was 12.8, second-highest in NBA history behind the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls; its 2025–26 net rating of 11.1 ranked eighth all time.
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Presti described Ajay Mitchell as a versatile player who can play on or off the ball, called him an underrated passer, and said he has the potential to be both a dynamic offensive player and a solid defender.
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Cason Wallace started 58 games in the 2025–26 regular season, up from 43 the previous season and 13 as a rookie, and averaged 8.6 points per game.
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The Thunder’s supporting group includes young players such as Jared McCain alongside Mitchell and Wallace, veteran contributors Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, and incoming first-round picks Thomas Sorber, Bennett Stirtz and Aday Mara.
Oklahoma City's Thunder has built a championship-caliber team, but general manager Sam Presti says the best is yet to come. Despite winning the title and posting a dominant 11.1 net rating this season—eighth all-time—Presti believes the young core of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren can still improve significantly OKC Thunder Wire.
The franchise's depth and future draft assets give it room to grow. Presti also expressed confidence in young guards Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace, signaling that recent roster moves were designed to unlock their potential Yahoo Sports.
Historic Net Ratings Show Oklahoma City's Dominance
Oklahoma City's title-winning season produced a net rating of 12.8, the second-highest in NBA history behind the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls OKC Thunder Wire. This season's 11.1 net rating ranks eighth all-time, demonstrating sustained excellence. Net rating measures point differential—how many points a team outscores opponents per 100 possessions. These numbers show the Thunder plays elite defense while scoring efficiently.
Ajay Mitchell Emerges After Strengthening From Injury
Presti praised guard Ajay Mitchell as a versatile player who can play on or off the ball. Mitchell is an underrated passer with potential to become both a dynamic scorer and solid defender OKC Thunder Wire. The young guard worked to build strength after missing significant time due to injury, positioning himself as a key piece of the Thunder's future.
Cason Wallace Steps Into Larger Role After Dort Trade
Trading Lu Dort opened the door for guard Cason Wallace to expand his role. Wallace started 58 games in the 2025–26 regular season, up from 43 the previous year and just 13 as a rookie, averaging 8.6 points per game OKC Thunder Wire. Presti declined to discuss Wallace's contract future but emphasized the move shows the team believes in him Yahoo Sports.
Supporting Cast Includes Veterans and Future Draft Picks
Oklahoma City's roster depth extends beyond its three young stars. The Thunder features emerging talents like Jared McCain alongside Mitchell and Wallace, veteran contributors Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, and three incoming first-round picks: Thomas Sorber, Bennett Stirtz and Aday Mara OKC Thunder Wire. This mix of youth and experience gives Presti multiple pathways to improve the roster further.
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