![](https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2022/04/USATSI_18047494.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The official NBA website released an article that put expectations for all 30 NBA teams heading into the 2022-23 regular season.
The Oklahoma City Thunder were categorized as a “Not This Year” team. Which is an understandable prediction — the Thunder will likely endure another losing season due to their youth and inexperience.
“It’s a bummer that Chet Holmgren will sit this one out, as the No. 2 overall pick must rehab from a foot injury. This is more of a pause in the plan than a setback for OKC, though. The Thunder will simply continue the search for gems and hope a handful will still be around in a few years when Phase II of rebuilding begins. Shai-Gilgeous Alexander has already proven himself a keeper. Now it’s up to Josh Giddey to step forward and Lu Dort and Darius Bazley to keep improving.”
Other Western Conference teams in this category include the Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets.