In a recent analysis, ESPN’s Zach Kram draws a compelling comparison between the current Oklahoma City Thunder and the early stages of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty.
The parallels between the two teams are striking, both in terms of roster construction and the trajectory of their success.
Each team is anchored by a 26-year-old MVP-caliber guard, Stephen Curry for the Warriors and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the Thunder, who led their respective squads to nearly 70 regular-season wins and a commanding five-game victory in the Western Conference Finals.
These dominant seasons were not built overnight, but rather through years of strategic drafting and player development.
Golden State’s core formed around the carefully selected additions of Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, who complemented Curry’s offensive brilliance with elite defense and versatility.
Similarly, the Thunder have surrounded Gilgeous-Alexander with emerging stars like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, both of whom bring multi-dimensional skill sets on both ends of the floor.
Another point of similarity is each team’s decision to bring in a dynamic, high-IQ defender via trade to bolster their championship aspirations.
The Warriors added Andre Iguodala, whose defensive prowess and playmaking were essential to their rise, while the Thunder recently acquired Alex Caruso, a defensive specialist with the ability to guard multiple positions and elevate a team’s defensive identity.
Additionally, both teams utilized traditional rim protectors, Andrew Bogut in Golden State and Isaiah Hartenstein in Oklahoma City, who could be strategically benched when the teams opted for smaller, faster lineups during crucial stretches.
While the Warriors famously cemented their dynasty by signing superstar Kevin Durant in free agency, the Thunder may not have that exact opportunity.
However, with one of the league’s most expansive collections of future draft picks, Oklahoma City has the flexibility and trade capital to pursue a blockbuster move if they choose.
Ultimately, what ties both teams together is a shared foundation of smart, sustainable roster building – prioritizing two-way versatility, team chemistry, and player development.
As Kram notes, the Thunder, like the Warriors before them, aren’t just built to win now – they’re built to last.
Northwest Notes: Nuggets, Jordan, Thunder https://t.co/CIAIJ4kHZ3 pic.twitter.com/lzB8iQxWPn
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) May 31, 2025
