The Oklahoma City Thunder are the defending champions, so the target is on their backs. This has led to discourse surrounding their title defense. Former two-time NBA champ Udonis Haslem thinks the Thunder are ready for the pressure.
After a victorious 2024-25 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have a tough road ahead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will continue to be one of the league’s best players. However, the spotlight will be on the Thunder’s title defense.
Udonis Haslem, a two-time champion with the Miami Heat, has given his thoughts on the Thunder. He knows they have what it takes to be competitive. With Gilgeous-Alexander getting praise from his peers, the hype is real for him to do it again.
Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesUdonis Haslem has high hopes for the OKC Thunder
The 2025-26 season is near, and it is certain to be a competitive campaign. The Thunder are once again favorites to win the title. However, they have some stiff competition, including the Denver Nuggets, the team that took them to seven games.
The Eastern Conference will also have some tough teams, including the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Every team in the league will see the Thunder as the biggest target. They were impressive champions in 2025, but teams will prepare for them in their matchups.
It is up to coach Mark Daigneault and their staff to guide this team. They have the talent with the trio of Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren. It is fair to expect them to repeat as champions due to their approach, which Haslem loves.
“I think this team is mature beyond their years; they’ve shown that in the past. They’ll be ready when they step into arenas, and they’ll be prepared. I think what they’re gonna get from other teams is gonna be different,” Haslem said on NBA Today.
“Every single team in the NBA is gonna be gunning for you. Every single night you walk in, that is going to be the opposing team’s championship game.”
“I just remembered defending our championship, and there were so many games we were down in the fourth quarter. Teams that weren’t as good as us, but there were so many games that we had to pull it out down the stretch.”
The 2025-26 season will be a competitive one
OKC will be the team to watch in the 2025-26 season due to their status as favorites. However, the rest of the league will also try to compete on the same level. It will not be a cakewalk for the Thunder, especially since teams will have studied their game.
Thankfully for Thunder fans, they have a fantastic group of players. They are mostly a young squad, so they are eager to keep proving themselves. The defense should continue to be one of the best in the league. With Gilgeous-Alexander and the “hidden superstar” Williams, the team is in a good position to win games often.
As more teams look to overthrow the Thunder’s title hopes, they will continue to improve. The Thunder want to keep winning, as they want to continue their success. As the 2025-26 season progresses, people should expect the Thunder to keep playing well.
They will start in some big games, including a showdown with former Thunder star Kevin Durant. It is already a big story since the champions are having the ring ceremony while Durant is in the building.