Defending their championship, welcoming new talent, and witnessing Chet Holmgren's explosive growth await Thunder fans next season. Prepare for a historic ride.
The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with the Oklahoma City Thunder standing atop the basketball world for the first time in franchise history. After capturing their first championship since relocating to Oklahoma City, the Thunder enter the new campaign not as the hunters, but as the hunted.
The expectations are higher than ever, and the excitement surrounding this team is unmatched. From defending their title to welcoming new talent and soaking in a bit of nostalgia, here are five things to look forward to this season for Thunder fans and the defending champs.
1. Defending the Title/Ring Night
The Thunder's first-ever championship run was a culmination of patience, development, and belief in their young core. Now comes the hardest part, doing it again.
With every team in the league circling their matchup with Oklahoma City, the Thunder will have to embrace being the measuring stick. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off an MVP season and Finals heroics, leads a group that’s still far from its peak years.
Maintaining the same hunger and focus that fueled their climb to the top will be crucial. The Thunder’s mix of youth, chemistry, and discipline gives them a legitimate chance to become the league’s next dynasty if they can sustain it.
Plus, seeing how they defend the throne means they will have a ring night to start the season. Every single member of the Thunder and the fans are looking forward to opening night.
2. Chet Holmgren’s Next Leap
Chet Holmgren’s 2024-25 season was much shorter than expected after a hip injury kept him sidelined for most of the season. He was able to return and help the Thunder win a title, but it felt like we were cheated out of something special.
He was the most talked-about member of the Thunder on media day, with everyone talking about how much better he’s gotten. His rim protection, spacing, and basketball IQ transformed Oklahoma City into a two-way powerhouse in his short time in the NBA, and now it’s time to take the next step.
Entering his third year, Holmgren’s next step could push him into All NBA or even Defensive Player of the Year territory. He’s added strength to his frame and confidence to his offensive game, showing signs of becoming a more assertive scorer in the paint while still knocking down threes.
Holmgren’s continued growth is not only vital for the Thunder title defense but also for his own emergence as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars.
3. The Arrival of Nikola Topić
The Thunder’s 2024 lottery pick, Serbian guard Nikola Topić, adds a fascinating wrinkle to an already deep roster. Although an early injury delayed his debut, Topić’s size, creativity, and court vision make him a natural fit in Mark Daigneault’s system.
At 6’6”, he’s the kind of big playmaker who can push the tempo, create for others, and keep the Thunder's ball movement flowing even when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sits.
His transition to the NBA will be closely watched, but given the Thunder’s developmental track record, it’s easy to imagine Topić becoming another homegrown success story in time.
4. Playing on Christmas Day Again
For the first time since 2018, the Oklahoma City Thunder are back on the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule, a clear reflection of how far the franchise has come.
From rebuilding through the draft to hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy, Oklahoma City has climbed all the way back into the national spotlight. Playing on Christmas is reserved for the league’s most marketable and competitive teams, and the Thunder have earned that recognition.
Seeing Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Jalen Williams take the floor under the holiday lights will serve as a powerful symbol of the team’s resurgence.
5. The Return of NBA on NBC and “Roundball Rock”
Adding to the season’s excitement, the NBA is officially back on NBC. That means basketball fans will once again hear the iconic Roundball Rock theme, the soundtrack of ‘90s NBA greatness.
For many, that song brings back memories of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, and other stars from one of NBA fans’ favorite era of basketball. Now, pairing that nostalgic sound with the new generation of stars, including Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Holmgren, creates a perfect bridge between eras.
Even better, the Thunder will be the team fans will be able to officially hear Roundball Rock, for the first time in nearly 25 years, play before a game this season. It will certainly give fans a goosebump moment.
And who knows, with the return of NBA on NBC, maybe we will also get the iconic openings before big games again also.