With the 2024-25 NBA season slowly approaching and the official schedule releasing later this afternoon, people are speculating how it will all play out. From championship contenders to player awards, media members and fans alike are voicing their opinions, and the Oklahoma City Thunder are a hot topic of conversation for some.
This past Tuesday, the NBA announced the official schedule for the Emirates NBA Cup, and members of ESPN's NBA Today discussed who they thought would win the championship, along with the Most Valuable Player.
It was during this debate that ESPN analyst Tim Legler picked the Thunder to win this year's NBA Cup. He highlighted that the group of players was incredibly special and that they have the ability to win, but they have to show progression:
"They had an incredible year a year ago, but we saw they were a little bit young, a little bit green, to make that run through the West... How do you make a statement to start the following season? By winning [the NBA Cup]".
But that is not all. Legler continued expressing his faith in the Thunder by stating that he believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be crowned the MVP of the NBA Cup.
There is work to be done, however. Last year, the Thunder went 1-3 and did not get past the first round of the tournament. But, this is a new team with increased experience, so the future's looking bright for this Thunder squad.
The Thunder's first game of this year's NBA Cup is against the Phoenix Suns on November 15.
ESPN’s Tim Legler picks the Thunder to win the NBA Cup. Notes that OKC was young last season but is bound for progression.
— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) August 13, 2024
“How do you make a statement the following season? By winning this.”
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