Alexander's ascension. The 26-year-old skyrocketed into one of the league's best players over the last two seasons. He's had back-to-back top-five finishes in MVP. Last season, he was runner-up. He enters this year as a favorite for the prestigious award.

Holmgren will become the first Thunder player to be named an All-Star in his second season. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were third-year players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was in his fifth season when he made his All-Star debut. More: We simulated OKC's 2024-25 season on 'NBA 2K25.' Can the Thunder win a championship?

Five years later, both are at the top of their craft. Gilgeous-Alexander is fresh off an MVP runner-up finish. Daigneault won the Coach of the Year award. The head coach and franchise star duo have been together for four seasons, but it's still in its infancy as a title contender.

No knock on anybody that’s not a star player, (but) growing up you watch Kobe Bryant, cornerstone of the Lakers franchise…those are the guys in your face when

The Oklahoma City Thunder held practice on Sunday. Only days remain until their 2024-25 season-opener against the Denver Nuggets on Oct. 24. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander talked to the local media after practice. Daignesult explained their philosophy of being exploratory with their lineups.

Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was reflective after practice on Sunday and mentioned the late Kobe Bryant when he talked about the opportunity Thunder vice president and GM Sam Presti has bestowed upon him.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a big time jump every season he has been in the NBA. He started as a promising young player that could help the Thunder turn t