Next season, the OKC Thunder's player roster is expected to feature several candidates for the NBA All-Defensive Team.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Defensive Aces Shining Bright for 2025-26 All-Defensive Team
The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off their historic 2024-25 championship season, are gearing up for another defensive powerhouse in the 2025-26 campaign. With a defensive style that ranks among the best seen in the past decade, the Thunder's defensive prowess is undoubtedly a key factor in their success.
Two players who stand out as front-runners for the NBA All-Defensive Team next season are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Chet Holmgren.
SGA, a central figure in the Thunder's defensive success during their championship run, boasts an impressive defensive impact combined with MVP-level offensive prowess. His elite defensive skills, coupled with his offensive prowess, position him as a strong contender for an elite defender in the league moving forward.
Holmgren, a highly touted young defensive talent, has earned a significant contract extension alongside SGA and Jalen Williams. Known for his shot-blocking, rim protection, and ability to guard multiple positions, Holmgren's potential is undeniable. Before his early-season hip injury, he was showing signs of contending for the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year award.
Jalen Williams, despite not generating as many blocks or steals as his teammates, makes a significant defensive impact that cannot be ignored. His 2024-25 campaign included a 40-point game in a crucial moment of the NBA Finals, and he is equally as good on the defensive end of the floor.
Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder's best defensive rebounder last season, ranks in the top 15 in Defensive EPM among all NBA players. He also finished in the top three on the Thunder in Defensive Box Plus/Minus and Defensive Win Shares.
Lu Dort, who made the NBA All-Defensive Team in the 2024-25 season, and Alex Caruso, who earned back-to-back NBA All-Defensive Team honors before joining the Thunder, are also players who have a real shot at making an All-Defensive Team next season. Caruso, despite missing the eligibility for a third in a row due to limited games played, was one of the Thunder's most important players in the playoffs, notably slowing down Nikola Jokic in Game 7 against the Denver Nuggets.
Cason Wallace, a new addition to the Thunder, frequently makes huge defensive plays, especially at the point of attack. With increased playing time, he could earn a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Team.
In summary, with a defensive performance that was a major factor in their 68-win regular season and championship run, the Oklahoma City Thunder have seven players who have a real shot at making an NBA All-Defensive Team next season. The Thunder's defensive success can be largely attributed to Mark Daigneault and his coaching staff, who have implemented an effective defensive style that sets the team apart.
In the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Chet Holmgren from the Oklahoma City Thunder are strong contenders for the NBA All-Defensive Team, showcasing their elite defensive skills and offensive prowess. The powerhouse defensive performance of the Thunder, which played a significant role in their historic 68-win regular season and championship run, also has other potential members for the All-Defensive Team, including Lu Dort, who made the team in the previous season, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jalen Williams, and newcomer Cason Wallace.
