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Bruski 150SportsEthos 2026 Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide
Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide 2026: Oklahoma City Thunder Team Preview
Last Updated on August 30, 2026 5:39 am by Mike Passador | Published: August 30, 2026
How’d We Get Here?
The Thunder looked like an unstoppable juggernaut in their pursuit of back-to-back titles even as Jalen Williams battled persistent injury problems. Ajay Mitchell burst onto the scene as an impact player while the Thunder had their typical depth support from the likes of Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Alex Caruso, Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins to support a star-laden starting lineup. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home MVP honors and it all appeared headed toward another championship. Williams got hurt in the playoffs, however, and the Thunder ran into Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama badly outplayed Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein and the Thunder had no answers for San Antonio’s defensive schemes. It was a splash of cold water for a great team that was staring down some roster changes brought about by the financial realities of the NBA salary cap. Gone are Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, and while OKC did retain Hartenstein on a friendly contract, they went with more youth to round out the roster instead of pursuing pricier veteran options. Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz were taken in the first round and the Thunder are hoping that their developmental prowess can keep everything on track as they gear up for another run at the title.
For a full recap of last season to set the table, check out our Oklahoma City Thunder Season Wrap!
The Oklahoma City Thunder Season Wrap
Offseason Moves
Arrivals: None
Rookie Arrivals: Aday Mara (No. 12), Bennett Stirtz (No. 16), Otega Oweh (No. 41), Josh Dix (UDFA)
Departures: Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Branden Carlson, Payton Sandfort
Retained: Isaiah Hartenstein, Kenrich Williams, Brooks Barnhizer (2W)
Depth Chart and Minutes Per Game
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Mike graduated from Boston University’s Dual Degree Program with a BA in Economics and a BS in Business with Concentrations in Marketing and Operations Management. He is a faithful supporter of Toronto sports and the Detroit Lions and is always ready to be let down. Tweet to him @Mike_Pandador, but if you badmouth Jose Calderon you might get blocked.
