The Daily Thunder Podcast

The Daily Thunder Podcast is back, and things have changed dramatically in Oklahoma City.John Napier and Brandon Rahbar return to discuss the devastating injuries to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, and Chet Holmgren—and what they mean for the Thunder's championship hopes.Brandon revises his preseason prediction from 61 wins to 48, with OKC potentially falling to the 4–6 seed range. The guys debate whether Sam Presti should pursue a trade, how the NBA's second-apron restrictions complicate potential moves, and why tanking isn't a realistic option.They also break down the Thunder's recent performances, the importance of Alex Caruso's return, the addition of Dalen Terry, and promising contributions from young players. Plus, could carrying this depleted roster strengthen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's case for another MVP?Finally, Russell Westbrook's upcoming jersey retirement sparks a Thunder Mount Rushmore debate. Who are the four most important players in franchise history? And does Kevin Durant deserve a spot despite the way he left Oklahoma City?

The Thunder are back, and Brandon Rahbar thinks this roster could be the best in the NBA again. But health, depth, and the right rotations will be key to another championship-level run.John Napier and Brandon preview the season’s biggest Thunder questions: who starts and closes, how Mark Daigneault might use an 11-player rotation, and what the young players’ preseason performances mean for the roster. They also discuss Chet Holmgren’s shot-blocking outlook, Cason Wallace’s potential leap, and where Thomas Sorber and Nikola Topic fit.Plus, Brandon ranks the Western Conference contenders and makes predictions on SGA’s scoring, All-Star and All-NBA selections, the Thunder’s win total, and the impact of the league’s new emphasis on push-offs.

The 2026-27 is basically here, with Sam Presti speaking to the media last week, along with Media Day on Monday. Daily Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar was at both for DT, and he and John discuss thoughts from the first press availability of the season, including:Cason Wallace extensionIs SGA finding new ways to improve, and is the team taking his contract for granted?Presti on Chet Holmgren's Western Conference Finals performanceThe impact of losing Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron WigginsWill Russell Westbrook get a statute in OKC?

The 2026-27 season is right around the corner, and what better way to get primed for the next season of Thunder basketball than to revisit Brandon's 26 Statements Made with Extreme Confidence made just before the 2025-2026 season.Plus, Brandon and John discuss the Kawhi Leonard punishment, Cason Wallace's extension, and how to watch the Thunder this upcoming season.

Ryan and Cray vent session about Sam Presti's vent session about the Lu Dort trade. Or was this all a big misunderstanding? Presti's pulpit: The OklahomanBlaming owners: What's the end game?Why Dort critics think we're overreactingShow links:Our reaction post to the Dort tradeRound-up Bolts after the dealDynasties Ain't Cheap: OKC's Cap CrunchThe Second Apron StormSubscribe to the Daily Thunder newsletter