Shannon Sharpe: Kevin Durant’s Cursed Fate Could Take Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Victim as OKC Face Menacing Threat

Oklahoma City Thunder ended their season in an unfortunate playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 6. As the team enters their offseason, they may encounter an obstacle that has plagued small-market teams for many years. In the most recent episode of the podcast ‘Nightcap’, Shannon Sharpe made a strong argument regarding the Thunder’s possible difficulty in recruiting high-profile free agents, an issue that even basketball greats like LeBron James and Kevin Durant could not tackle. Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suffer a similar fate?

The team and its young roster may be looking for a seasoned player. As they gear up for next season, Sharpe highlighted the difficulties that small-market clubs have in obtaining high-profile free agents, citing the Thunder’s past struggles in this regard.

Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attract the next OKC star?

On the podcast, Shannon Sharpe a.k.a Unc discussed OKC’s future along with Chad Ochocinco Johnson. Sharpe said, “They got a young team, they need a veteran,” emphasizing the need for experienced leadership to oversee Oklahoma City’s young roster. He mentioned how Paul George didn’t choose Oklahoma City as his free agency destination; rather, he ended up there as a result of a trade and stayed because of his chemistry with Russell Westbrook.

“If you go back and look, what Big Time free agent has ever signed with OKC? Only one has,” Sharpe remarked. Even though OKC has a promising roster right now, the lack of a veteran could result in another tragic loss. Sharpe recalled how LeBron James, despite being one of the greatest players in the league, failed to be able to attract other players to the Cleveland Cavaliers. “LeBron fu**ing James couldn’t get anybody to come to Cleveland,” UNC exclaimed, UNC exclaimed “LeBron fu**ing James couldn’t get anybody to come to Cleveland,” highlighting the challenges that even superstars face.

Despite having Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, two of the league’s most talented players, OKC faced the same struggle. “KD and Russ couldn’t get anybody to come to OKC. You think Shai gonna be able to get anybody to come to OKC?” Sharpe added. Even though Shai has shown immense dedication towards the team, it remains unclear whether he will be able to attract any big names. What will be the team’s game plan going forward?

OKC’s Draft Strategy Could Bypass Free Agent Struggles

General Manager Sam Presti’s plan of developing the team through the draft has shown promise for its future. Despite its unfortunate past, The Thunder’s stock of draft picks could mitigate the need to recruit bigger players to their roster as they look to the future. OKC landed the #12 pick in the draft lottery recently. Their projected picks could be; Jared McCain, Tyler Smith and Cody Williams.

Moreover, Oklahoma City is projected to have around $35 million in cap space this offseason. They might also be looking at several trade options. Some speculated names include Brooklyn Nets’ Mikal Bridges and Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. With a #12 pick and comfortable cap space, the team could either keep growing their young roster or try and big in a bigger name.

As the draft draws closer, OKC must choose the path they wish to go down. Whether they utilise their current draft pick or go for a trade option remains to be seen. Regardless, it is hard to say whether securing a veteran player is on the cards for the team or not. Will history repeat itself or will luck favour Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC.