Even though the Oklahoma City Thunder have already captured an NBA championship, it frightens the rest of the league to think about how much more room they have to grow. That’s what happens when you carry the sixth-youngest roster still.
Anytime national pundits talk about the Thunder, they gush over their runway. They already collected one Larry O’Brien trophy. And you could argue they’re set up to add more.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren all signed contract extensions this past offseason to stay in OKC for the next handful of years. That should be enough to keep them in the contention conversation. Throw in all of their other young players and rich draft capital, and you have the ingredients of a possible dynasty.
Somebody who could help with that is Cason Wallace. The 21-year-old has been spoiled since the Thunder added him in the 2023 NBA draft. He’s only known 60-plus win seasons and deep playoff runs. He’s shown enough in his first two seasons to show he can be another high-level defender who enters accolade conversations soon.
Typically speaking, NBA players usually make their biggest leap in their third season. Wallace is about to enter his Year 3 as somebody who can start when needed. At 2025-26 Media Day, he detailed what he’s worked on over their short three-month offseason.
“I want to be more aggressive, getting to the rim,” Wallace said. “Take more open shots, being more aggressive offensively.”
Through two seasons, Wallace has been stuck in a 3-and-D role. He’s been efficient at it. The catch-and-shoot numbers have been near the top of the team. But his transition glimpses and on-ball potential suggest he could take on more on his plate.
That should excite the Thunder. Wallace added muscle in his short offseason with the hopes of being given more ball-handler responsibilities. That’s an area on the roster the OKC could use help with. We’ll see if he’s the guy who takes advantage of the vacated role.
Because of the Thunder’s quick ascension, Wallace has flown under the radar. But through two seasons, he’s shown to be somebody who can help an NBA champion. Now, it’s about more individual growth on the offensive end. If he can do that, that should help their title window stay open.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Cason Wallace ready to be more of a ball-handler in 2025-26 season
