Oklahoma City’s defense has generated tons of preseason hype — and rightfully so. The Thunder already had one of the league’s best defenses a season ago before going out and adding two elite weapons.
Last year, the Thunder posted a 111.0 defensive rating, good for fourth in the NBA. They did so with Josh Giddey in the starting lineup and little front court depth besides Chet Holmgren . Giddey can be a solid team defender, but he’s not on the level of Alex Caruso — who will be the one replacing him. Caruso has two All-Defensive Team selections to his name and will be joining a talented supporting cast.
Lu Dort and Cason Wallace formed a reliable defensive duo on the perimeter with Holmgren locking down the middle. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was also one of the most improved defenders in the NBA…