The Ultimate NBA Cheat Sheet – Mid-Season

Hey, I have spent the past week or two compiling this massive summary of each team’s season so far. I hope that y’all find this useful. Each team has all their basic stats, a paragraph written about their 3 best players, some lineup data, their strengths and weaknesses, a rank of how fun the team is to watch, as well as how important their season is (which probably should be viewed as their need to win urgency instead), some potential trades, and a summary.

**Oklahoma City Thunder (OKC)**

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**The Basics:**

Current Win-Loss: 33-15

Last 10: 6-4

Record Against top ten teams: 10-7

Preseason Expected Wins: 43.5

Current Pace: 56-26

Power Ranking Tier: Conference Finals (A)

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**Team play:**

Offensive Rating: 119.0 (6th)

Defensive Rating: 111.2 (4th)

Net Rating: 7.8 (2nd)

Pace: 100.8 (8th)

Best lineups: With at least ⅓ time as (the most played one(Most played will be in parentheses))

3: S. Gilgeous-Alexander – I. Joe – C. Holmgren

(3): S. Gilgeous-Alexander – L. Dort – C. Holmgren

Net Rating: 20.6

(Net Rating): 9.9

Minutes played(813): 313

4: S. Gilgeous-Alexander – J. Giddey – C. Holmgren – J. Williams

(4): S. Gilgeous-Alexander – L. Dort – C. Holmgren – J. Williams

Net Rating: 11.1

(Net Rating): 9.7

Minutes Played(646): 581

5: S. Gilgeous-Alexander – L. Dort – J. Giddey – C. Holmgren – J. Williams

(5): S. Gilgeous-Alexander – L. Dort – J. Giddey – C. Holmgren – J. Williams

Net Rating: 8.1

(Net Rating): 8.1

Minutes Played(521): 521

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**Three best players:**

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

31 Points/ 6 Rebounds/ 6 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 2 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 58.6% 3pt%: 34.8% Ft%: 89.2%

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s current season with the Oklahoma City Thunder encapsulates a compelling narrative of offensive mastery and defensive evolution, positioning him as a cornerstone of the franchise. As a primary offensive force, Gilgeous-Alexander’s prowess is evident in his scoring versatility, adeptly navigating the court to finish at the rim with high efficiency and exhibiting a refined midrange game that challenges defenses. His drive to the basket is not only a testament to his agility and strength but also showcases his ability to draw fouls and capitalize on free-throw opportunities, reflecting his strategic understanding of the game. While his three-point shooting remains an area with room for improvement, his selective shooting from beyond the arc ensures that it does not detract significantly from his overall offensive contribution. On the defensive end, Gilgeous-Alexander has shown remarkable growth, leveraging his physical attributes—height and wingspan—to challenge and contain opponents effectively, reflecting a significant enhancement in his defensive impact. His performance this season is a blend of relentless scoring, evolving defense, and an intrinsic understanding of his role as the linchpin of the Thunder’s strategic framework, marking him as not just a star player but a transformative figure in the team’s competitive narrative.

Chet Holmgren:

17 Points/ 8 Rebounds/ 3 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 3 Blocks 2pt%: 61.4% 3pt%: 38.2% Ft%: 77.0%

Chet Holmgren’s season with the Oklahoma City Thunder showcases a compelling amalgamation of offensive finesse, defensive acumen, and versatility uncommon for a player of his stature. Holmgren’s offensive repertoire is impressively multifaceted, with a high efficiency in close-range scoring complemented by a reliable three-point shot, making him a formidable stretch big. His ability to drive and finish at the rim with a high success rate adds a dynamic dimension to the Thunder’s offense, challenging traditional defensive setups. Holmgren’s ball-handling and playmaking abilities are notable for his position, allowing him to facilitate plays effectively, even in transition, adding a layer of unpredictability to his game. Defensively, Holmgren’s presence is a game-changer; his exceptional shot-blocking and help defense solidify him as a premier rim protector, instilling a sense of reliability within the team’s defensive scheme. While his perimeter defense may not be his standout feature, it remains above average, enabling him to hold his own against a variety of matchups. Holmgren’s rookie season reflects not just the potential of a versatile big man in the modern NBA but the emergence of a player capable of significantly influencing both ends of the court, making him a foundational piece for the Thunder’s future aspirations.

Jalen William:

19 Points/ 4 Rebounds/ 5 Assists/ 2 Turnovers/ 1 Steals/ 1 Blocks 2pt%: 56.6% 3pt%: 45.0% Ft%: 80.6%

Jalen Williams’ season with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been a revelation, marking him as a rising talent with an all-encompassing offensive skill set and a rapidly improving defensive presence. On offense, Williams stands out for his remarkable efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc where he exhibits exceptional shooting prowess. His balanced blend of scoring, ball-handling, and playmaking crafts him into a multifaceted offensive threat, capable of impacting the game in a variety of ways. His judicious shot selection and ability to maintain a low turnover rate underscore his mature understanding of the game, although there’s room for him to assert himself more aggressively, especially in exploiting his proficiency from distance. Defensively, Williams has shown significant strides from his previous season, evolving into a positive contributor on this end of the floor. His agility and basketball IQ enable him to be effective on the perimeter, though his interior defense still seeks refinement and consistency. Williams’ evolution over the season highlights not just the growth of a promising young talent but the emergence of a player who could shape the dynamics of the Thunder’s gameplay on both ends of the court, transforming him into the idealized version of a 3&D player.

Strengths:

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s season is marked by a formidable balance between offensive prowess and defensive rigor, establishing them as a top-five team in both offensive and defensive ratings. This exceptional equilibrium is propelled by their efficient scoring capability, especially from beyond the arc, where they rank impressively, showcasing a versatile and dynamic offensive scheme. Their adeptness in half-court plays, pick-and-roll execution, and isolation strategies illustrates an adaptable and potent offense. Complementing their offensive firepower is a steadfast defensive approach, underpinned by the ability to effectively disrupt opponents’ high-efficiency scoring opportunities. This synergy between offense and defense not only underscores the Thunder’s comprehensive strength but also positions them as a formidable force in the league, capable of controlling the game’s tempo and maintaining pressure on their opponents. As they continue to capitalize on their balanced excellence in both offensive and defensive domains, the Thunder stand out as not just contenders but as a team with the potential to assert dominance across the board.

Weaknesses:

Despite their strong offensive and defensive standings, the Oklahoma City Thunder face certain challenges that could temper their overall performance. The team’s offensive strategy, while robust, occasionally exhibits predictability, particularly in their reliance on isolation plays, which could lead to inefficiency against well-prepared defenses. Additionally, while their 3-point shooting is a significant strength, their performance from the corner three-point zone indicates an area for potential improvement. Defensively, the team’s approach is effective, but there are vulnerabilities in perimeter defense, especially against corner three-pointers, necessitating a more cohesive and versatile defensive strategy. The Thunder’s pace, indicative of a controlled and deliberate approach, may limit their ability to exploit fast-break opportunities and maintain an offensive rhythm that aligns with the more dynamic nature of the game. Addressing these offensive and defensive inconsistencies will be crucial for the Thunder to fully harness their potential and translate their strategic approach into a more cohesive and formidable force in the league. As they progress through the season, embracing these adjustments could solidify their path to becoming not just a team with a strong foundation but a well-rounded and competitive force in the NBA.

Fun rating 6/6:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is undeniably one of the most thrilling talents in the league, captivating audiences with his exquisite midrange prowess. Complemented by an outstanding supporting cast, the Oklahoma City Thunder play a high-octane brand of basketball that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Their games are not only a showcase of offensive spectacle but also a testament to their tenacious defense, with Chet Holmgren delivering highlight-worthy blocks almost every night. Regardless of what kind of basketball you enjoy, the Thunder offer something for every fan, making them an essential watch this season.

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**The Future:**

Importance of season 1/5:

The Thunder are ahead of schedule with this season from a fringe play in team last season to a solid top 4 seed. They have still have a lot of financial freedom, draft capital galore, and an insane amount of young talent. There has never been a team with as advantageous a position as the Thunder have now. If Presti continues his careful execution as he has done thus far the Thunder may have a strong era of dominance up ahead.

Potential trades:

Trade 1: Trade for Jakob Poeltl. The Thunder would have to give up Davis Bertans plus a 1st and maybe 2nd Rounder to do the trade. Its no secret that the Thunder have trouble against more physical centers. A player like Poeltl allows for some versatility.

Trade Goals: The Media has often fantasized about the Thunder using their immense draft capital for some all in trade. But the Thunder are better off making marginal moves seeing what their strengths and weaknesses are in the playoffs. Then assess from there. Other than their evident issue at the center postion they have a dearth of depth everywhere else.

Upcoming Draft situation: 3 1st, The Rockets top 4 protected, Their own, and Utah’s top ten protected. 1 2nd Rounder a pick swap in Houstan’s favor.

Projected Tax Space: 41.9 Million

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**TLDR:**

Summary:

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s season is shaping up to be a compelling blend of strategic gameplay and youthful dynamism, marking their evolution from a fringe playoff team to a formidable top-four seed in the conference. Guided by the exceptional performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the promising talent of Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have crafted an identity of offensive versatility and defensive resilience. Their gameplay is a captivating exhibition of fast-paced action, marked by efficient scoring from beyond the arc and a defensive strategy adept at stifling opponents’ high-efficiency plays. Despite occasional predictability in their offensive sets and vulnerabilities in perimeter defense, the Thunder’s overall performance signals a team on the rise, ready to challenge the league’s established hierarchy. The strategic vision of GM Sam Presti has positioned the Thunder in an enviable spot, with a treasure trove of draft capital, financial flexibility, and a roster brimming with young talent. This season’s significance lies not just in its current success but in the groundwork it lays for a potential era of dominance, with careful moves and assessments in the trade market and draft shaping the team’s trajectory. The Thunder’s journey is not just about the present but a strategic march towards a future with promise and ambition.

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**Project Notes:**

This was a fair amount of work I ended up writing around 50,000 words and if you would like to support ongoing updates for this project you can do so here

[https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/urbark)

Also, there is a mega compilation on my substack, with a bit of an explainer about why I chose to make this

[https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm\_campaign=post&utm\_medium=web](https://open.substack.com/pub/urbar/p/the-ultimate-nba-cheat-sheet-halfway?r=fv0lc&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web)

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**The future of this project:**

The goal for the next update will be right after the trade deadline, I will summarize the outlook for each, and refresh the stats, upcoming draft capital, and lineup data for the team

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I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look and discuss their evolving roles

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This project also originally included storylines/notable events, random interesting stats, and various memes surrounding each team. The next update of this will hopefully include all of those. However, if I could get various suggestions for each of the categories from fans of different teams that would be a major help

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**What I am looking for**

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**Storylines/notable events:**

A storyline/notable event should be something interesting that would otherwise forgotten when looking at this team’s particular NBA season

A storyline last year for the Hawks could’ve been John Collin’s eternal trade discussions

A notable event for the Raptors last year could’ve been Fred Van Fleet’s epic rant against Ben Taylor

A storyline/notable event for the Lakers last year could’ve been the animosity between Westbrook and Lebron, such as ignoring each other at the summer league.

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**Random interesting stats:**

These are just interesting stats going on for the team or particular player. They can be for the season as a whole or just a stretch

A good example of one was the Warrior’s home versus road performance last year

Another one is how Embiid is averaging more points than minutes played this year

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**Memes:**

These are just funny things to have happen for a particular team

Mike Brown bringing a laptop to a press conference

Pat Bev showing the Ref the camera

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**Long long term goals:**

I also want to include a section about the various up-and-comers for each team, what I think their future development could look like, and discuss their evolving roles them interesting. Also to talk about what schemes each teams run and when. But that would require a lot of film breakdown.

by DeficientFooting