Can Shai Gilgeous-Alexander become the Oklahoma City Thunder's third NBA Most Valuable Player, joining Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook? We'll figure out the answers in the months to come, but here's how The Oklahoman sports staff predicts the 2024-25 season will go for the Thunder and the rest of the NBA: More: How OKC Thunder roster construction was built to protect the king: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander More: OKC Thunder bold predictions: What will Chet Holmgren,

Despite playing in a small market city, the Oklahoma City Thunder have managed to create three separate "super teams" in less than a decade.

Like an ever-evolving Pokemon, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the 2024-25 season with a new weapon added up to his sleeve — the pull-up 3-pointer. Fresh off an MVP runner-up finish, the 26-year-old didn't lament on his 30-plus point seasons from the last two years.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a big time jump every season he has been in the NBA. He started as a promising young player that could help the Thunder turn t

Five years later, both are at the top of their craft. Gilgeous-Alexander is fresh off an MVP runner-up finish. Daigneault won the Coach of the Year award. The head coach and franchise star duo have been together for four seasons, but it's still in its infancy as a title contender.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been among the best players in the NBA over the past few years. His growth as the star player on the Oklahoma City Thunder has led to him competing at the highest level, leading the team to the first seed in the Western Conference last season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points, Chet Holmgren added 25 as part of a stellar all-around performance and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Denver Nuggets 102-87 on Thursday night in the season opener for both teams.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Sam Presti, OKC Thunder building team around him