Anticipation builds in Oklahoma City as Sam Presti and Mark Daigneault address roster questions, injury updates, and rookie roles ahead of a highly anticipated championship defense.
Last year, the offseason for Oklahoma City Thunder fans seemed to fly by. The team played quite literally as long as they possibly could, reaching Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The first championship in OKC's history was followed by a title celebration and parade and a summer filled with Thunder content on social media, television, podcasts and every nook and cranny of the basketball stratosphere.
This summer, on the other hand, has moved like molasses for most Thunder fans. Despite reaching Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals and stretching the postseason out to the end of May, the Oklahoma City content has been much tougher to find. (Unless you're a daily Roundtable reader, of course).
So I come bearing good news, OKC fans. Thunder basketball is almost back.
There are two events that unofficially kick off the Oklahoma City hoops season. And both of those things are happening over the next few days.
First up is the Sam Presti preseason press conference. The Thunder General Manager meets with members of the OKC media on Thursday morning. Presti is always transparent and revealing in his question and answer sessions and there should be no shortage of topics for press to hit on during their time with the 2025 NBA Executive of the Year.
The Cason Wallace contract extension is sure to be mentioned. OKC's 15th and final roster spot is still being open going into the season is likely to be discussed. The health of Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell. For that matter, the injury status of Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber as well. Speaking of the young guys, the potential roles of Topic, Sorber and rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz may be talking points. And no Presti preseason presser is complete without an update of his summer reading list.
The second event that unofficially kicks off the season is Thunder Media Day. OKC Head Coach Mark Daigneault and every Thunder player will meet with members of the OKC media on Monday. Media Day is when fans will get to hear what their favorite players have been doing over the summer and what parts of their game they've been working on in the offseason. The excitement in the building feels like the first day of school for both the players and the media.
It's been a long offseason for OKC fans who can't wait to see their team on the court again. But Thunder basketball is almost back.
