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The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially made the play-in tournament, with the average age of their team being just 22.8 years old. It’s safe to say the Thunder are a young team and in very good shape for years to come. 

Led by the big two in Josh Giddey (leads teams in rebounds and assists per game) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (leads teams in points, steals, and blocks). These two have been solid for the Thunder and gel so well together. But Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey aren’t the only two reasons for the Thunder’s success. Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and Jaylin Williams round out the most common starting five for Oklahoma City. 

Dort is a solid small forward for the Thunder that is averaging roughly 13.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Jalen Williams is averaging just over 14 points per game, but he contributes in a lot more ways than just scoring. As one of the best forwards on this Thunder team, he creates shooting opportunities for every one of his teammates and can own the point against a lot of opposing forwards. Jaylin Williams, not to be confused with Jalen Williams, is the textbook definition of a great role player. He does the dirty work and will do whatever you ask him to do. One thing to keep in mind with these players is they are all younger than 24 years old. 

There are other big key components to the Thunder’s success, but them being so young, you just have to highlight that. Making the playoffs with an average age of 22.8 will officially be the youngest team to make the NBA playoffs since the Memphis Grizzlies did it in 2020-21 with an average age of 24.3. A win in the tournament would be amazing, but as a Thunder fan, you just have to stay positive and realize what you have and not only that, but realize how much longer you’ll have this for.