The Oklahoma City Thunder are on pace to break the single-season record with a current record of 23-1 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads them away and on pace to win MVP again. They have a legit chance of winning back-to-back championships and the worst part of it all, they have a solid chance in getting a top 5 pick in the next 2026 NBA Draft. Thanks to a 2019 trade deal between the LA Clippers and OKC, the Clippers gave away their rights on their 2026 first-round pick. This means whatever pick the Clippers get this year, it will transfer to the Thunder. The Clippers are 6-18 so far, second-worst in the West.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been dominating the league, sitting at first in the power rankings. They are averaging a point differential of 16.1 against opposing teams, this the highest point differential average in NBA history, beating their previous season of 12.87, as well as the 1971-1972 Los Angeles Lakers who averaged 12.28. Adding a top college prospect to the team, especially from the talented class of 2026, could most definitely overpower the OKC.
“That would be insane,” said Macarthur student Ivan Camacho on if OKC receives a top pick. “They would have a solid chance to win three or four more championships if the team stays together. I feel like this is going to ruin the NBA.”
As it is presented on social media, veteran guard James Harden is the ‘only hope in the league’ to prevent a dynasty that could be as dominant as the 2017 Warriors or even the ‘96 Bulls. If the Clippers win more games, the chance for a top pick for OKC would diminish. Harden is currently averaging 26.8 points per game, 5.4 rebounds per game, and 8.3 assists per game.
“If James Harden keeps playing like he used to in the Houston Rockets, he can dig them out of a hole of letting OKC get a lottery pick,” said Macarthur Student and NBA fan, Damian Timkin. “Kawhi needs to not get hurt, so he can actually help the Clippers, because at this point he’s wasting space on the team. I just feel bad for Harden, he just wants to be ‘that’ guy on a team again but he’s being held back.”
The LA Clippers have been dealing with self-sustainability issues, such as their parting with future Hall of Famer Chris Paul during his farewell tour. When he was waived from the team, online fans were furious.
“This is one of the weakest things I’ve seen a team do in a minute… you [Clippers] are the laughing stock of the NBA right now. In this disastrous season where they might go ahead and give OKC the number one pick, you [Clippers] decide the best course of action is to cut the best player in your franchise history mid retirement tour.” Said by an online NBA Youtuber on an account hosted by Keshaun Javois.
NBA fans are viewing this possible outcome as a “nightmare” for the league. If Thunder gets their way, unlike OKC fans, they will be happily pleased.
“If everything goes right, they can be the next dynasty. Actually, let me rephrase that, they are going to be the next dynasty and if they need to, they can trade for better players with all the picks they have,” Oklahoma City Thunder fan, Damian Timkin. ”I’m glad that nobody’s injured. I would love to see Shai win back-to-back MVP and another championship as well.”
