Gilgeous-Alexander Anchors Thunder's Title Bid

Overview

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the franchise cornerstone after winning consecutive regular-season MVPs and powering Oklahoma City to top regular-season records the past two years.
• The Thunder enter 2026-27 determined to rebound after losing the 2026 Western Conference Finals to the San Antonio Spurs, a defeat that the team has framed as motivation to return to championship form.
• Jalen Williams has been rehabbing over the summer and training with Gilgeous-Alexander to restore his availability after missing large stretches last year with hamstring and wrist issues.
• Chet Holmgren faces pressure to improve after a rough 2026 postseason, while cost-cutting moves this summer left the club leaning more on young depth rather than added veteran reinforcements.
• Bench roles have shifted, with Ajay Mitchell projected as the sixth man and Nikola Topic entering a make-or-break season, and fans and analysts still see a 60-win ceiling if the core stays healthy.