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Not Stephen Curry’s Warriors, LeBron James’ Lakers or Nikola Jokic’s Defending Champions, Millionaire NBA Analyst Picks Surprising Team Closest to the Title

Published 07/19/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

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Free agency is at a standstill, and trade talks are still dominated by Damian Lillard as the NBA calendar moves through its least exciting period. As the appeal of summer league competition steadily fades, fans become increasingly impatient for the next new season. Amid the offseason, NBA analysts continue to do their magic – debate which team will triumph and win the elusive championship title.

However, according to an analyst, it is not the team that initially comes to mind when you think of ‘championship holder’. It is not Stephen Curry’s Warriors or LeBron James‘ Lakers. Not even Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets. Then, which team is it?

An NBA analyst selects the team closest to the championship title

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Chet Holmgren, who has yet to make his NBA debut after sustaining an injury at Pro-Am The Crawsover last summer, has returned to the Oklahoma City Thunder, giving the team some much-needed support. Now that his skill has been added to the mix, all eyes are on OKC. Even Zach Lowe’s, who is worth $1.5 million.

The Thunder are just one trade away from being legitimate title contenders, according to ESPN analyst Zach Lowe. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Jaylen Williams became the team’s top players last season, demonstrating their immense potential.

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However, there is one takeaway from what Zach Lowe said.

USA Today via Reuters

Zach believes his pick is “one year and one player away” from a championship title. He believes the Oklahoma City Thunder might not be able to win the championship this year with a trade. However, as the team is filled with young talent, he believes the team is one that is capable of winning the title. Again, maybe not this year.

In the upcoming seven years, the franchise has 44 potential draft picks. This is including first- and second-round picks, safe picks, and swaps. Due to its abundance of assets, the organization can consider a variety of options. Sam Presti, the team’s general manager, is willing to take calculated risks in order to increase the team’s chances of winning.

One choice being considered is making a significant deal for a seasoned veteran who can add crucial experience and increase the team’s chances of success.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder signs a new player

The OCT have made a bold move with the acquisition of respected EuroLeague star Vasilije Mici. With two EuroLeague championships in 2021 and 2022, as well as the MVP award in 2021, Mici’s record in Europe speaks for itself. He will now compete in the NBA at the age of 29.

Mici demonstrated his abilities in the last EuroLeague season by averaging a strong 16.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting proficiently from the field and beyond the arc. His acquisition could improve the Oklahoma City Thunder’s already dynamic lineup. The Thunder are determined to move up in the Western Conference standings with their youthful and talented core, and Mici’s presence is expected to enhance their prospects of success in the next seasons.

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Watch This Story: Was a Loss of $462,000,000 the Reason Behind the Firing of Stephen A Smith’s Millionaire NBA Colleagues?

What are your thoughts on the Oklahoma City Thunder? Let us know in the comments below!

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Written by:

Ranjitha Ramesh

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Ranjitha Ramesh is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, Ranjitha has a strong foundation in reporting and writing. Her passion for basketball, particularly the Lakers and LeBron James, fuels her desire to delve into the lifestyle and off-court activities of NBA stars.
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Edited by:

Aayush Kapoor