The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. Every other team has been eliminated, and we can finally crown a new champion: the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The wait is over.
After years of rebuilding, asset-hoarding and patiently developing talent, the Oklahoma City Thunder captured their first NBA championship in franchise history with a thrilling 103-91 Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Led by Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC’s young core matured before our eyes, finishing the season as not only the best team in the West — but the last one standing.
This title validates the Thunder’s long-term vision and presents significant fantasy basketball implications heading into the 2025-26 season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander completes the sweep
SGA’s historic season wraps up with winning the scoring title, regular season MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP, Finals MVP and, most importantly, an NBA Championship. Gilgeous-Alexander is the first NBA player to accomplish that feat (although the Conference Finals MVP award is only a couple of years old). He was already a consensus top-three fantasy pick, and his playoff performance only reaffirmed his status as one of the best in fantasy basketball.
SGA averaged 29.9 points, 5.3 boards, 6.5 assists and 2.6 stocks per game during the postseason — highlighted by a Game 7 masterclass that earned him Finals MVP. One of the more underrated stats of the Finals is Gilgeous-Alexander tied Chet Holmgren for the most blocks in the series. And that’s why SGA is so valuable. He contributes in every category and was one of six players to average over 50 fantasy points per game this season. His fantasy profile is so rare for a guard — the volume, efficiency and defensive numbers, AND he’s only 26 years old.
Heading into next season, fantasy managers should feel confident selecting him in the top three, especially in 9-cat formats where his all-around game shines.
Jalen Williams: The quiet sidekick ascending into a star
While SGA drew the marquee headlines, Jalen Williams proved he’s a rising star. J-Dub is 24 years old finishing his third NBA season, having already notched an All-Star and All-NBA bid. It’s scary to think he’s improved every year since entering the league.
Williams’ efficiency dipped in the playoffs, but his performance in the Finals more than made up for it. He provides substantial value to fantasy managers with contributions in points, stealscand FG%, and his low-turnover, high-IQ style makes him a gem in category leagues.
He’s officially arrived and will be a worthy second-round pick next season — and that’s not cap.
What about Chet?
Holmgren hasn’t scratched the surface yet. He played in just 32 regular-season games after carrying an ADP of 17. It was definitely an overdraft, but when he was on the court, you couldn’t deny his potential. Holmgren’s offensive toolset is still a bit raw. Still, I came away very encouraged by the imprint defensively and on the boards — swatting shots and altering driving lanes.
Holmgren finished as a top-50 fantasy player on a per-game basis in 9-cat leagues this season, and the upside remains tantalizing if he can firm up his perimeter shooting and incorporate some signature go-to moves around the rim.
As he adds muscle and confidence, expect his rebounding, minutes and usage to increase, all of which could push him closer to a top-30 asset. I’d liken Holmgren’s fantasy game to Myles Turner, as his value is more tied to his ability to block shots and be a capable floor spacer. He also just set a Finals record with five blocks in Game 7.
Everybody, get your “role” on
Isaiah Hartenstein is a traditional big who can be had at an affordable price next season, carrying a sixth-round ADP that can get you an easy double-double with stocks in under 30 minutes per game. Alex Caruso didn’t live up to his ADP, but after a relentless and impactful postseason, he’s a steals specialist who may warrant a late-round pick in drafts next season. The other role players, such as Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins and Jaylin Williams, will have their moments whenever players rest or are injured. Still, OKC’s defense, pace and connectivity offensively make them a fantasy juggernaut.
The dynasty has just begun
With their core all under 26 and a war chest of draft picks still to come, the Thunder are built to compete for years. But more importantly, for us fantasy degenerates, they’re loaded with players who produce — efficient, durable, multi-category athletes who just proved they can perform when it matters most.
This wasn’t just a championship for OKC, it was a warning shot to the league that they’re about to run the NBA for the next half-decade.
