One of the great things that comes up when a new NBA season begins is new topics for NBA fans to debate. Who will win MVP? What rookie will make the most impact? And of course, who will win the finals? Last season we saw a familiar team atop the league for the majority of the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder came into the 2024-25 season with the second best odds to win the finals, behind the Boston Celtics. As the playoffs got closer, the Thunder were the clear favorites finishing with 68 wins, the most in the league. After a historic seven-game series with the Indiana Pacers, the Thunder hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the first time since 1979, back when they called Seattle their home. OKC retained their core and looked destined to be the first NBA team to win back-to-back rings since the Warriors Dynasty in the late 2010s. However, not many expected the dominant start the Thunder have had. Through December 1st, OKC has 20 wins and just one loss.The best start to a season since the 2015-16 Warriors who finished with a record 73 wins on the year. It will always be hypothetical, but it’s time to compare two loaded rosters, two elite starting fives, and two MVP point guards leading their team.
The 1: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs Stephen Curry
It is only right to begin this debate with the stars and faces of these teams. On one side you have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian maestro who has found a way to somehow surpass his illustrious MVP campaign from a season ago. The former Kentucky Wildcat can score from anywhere imaginable and once he is in rhythm, there is no slowing him down. SGA gets to the paint with ease and can freeze defenders with his handles and just when you think you’ve got him trapped he’ll pivot and hit the smoothest fade-away bucket you’ve seen all without showing emotion. The stone-cold consistent bucket-getter is one of the most dangerous offensive players we’ve seen since the player lining up against him.
Stephen Curry didn’t just change the game with his shooting, he revolutionized it. In 2016, Curry had the world in the palm of his hand. He had fans dropping their jaws on a nightly basis with his deep-range threes and ankle-breaking dribble moves. His confidence in his shot will never be replicated. He would kill any defender with a basic between-the-legs, behind-the-back package, pop a 30-foot three while also turning around to look at the bench before the ball has even gone in. His shooting ability will never be matched.
This is a tough matchup between two generational scorers, but you don’t win the first unanimous MVP in NBA history for nothing. Curry gets the edge in this one.
The 2: Luguentz Dort vs Klay Thompson
The shooting guard position for OKC is definitely its weakest part of the starting lineup, but don’t overlook Lu Dort. Dort is a lockdown defender and a clutch shooter whose impact on this Thunder team should not go unnoticed. The French-Canadian is a tireless defender, always seen guarding the opposing team’s most dangerous scorer. He causes chaos and provides OKC with necessary stops to win games. He is also a reliable shooter, always available to knock down big-time threes and drive to the paint for a tough bucket.
On the other hand, Klay Thompson might be too much of an offensive threat for Dort and company. From Game Six Klay to 60 points and only 11 dribbles, in 2016 Klay Thompson was the hottest shooter on the planet not named Stephen Curry. Klay would flare off screens, position his feet, and let it fly. No unnecessary dribbles, no wasted time. When Thompson was hot he was unstoppable.
This one doesn’t need much of an explanation. Lu Dort deserves all the respect in the world, but when lining up against Klay Thompson, the former Sun Devil doesn’t stand a chance. Thompson wins this battle.
The 3: Jalen Williams vs Andre Iguodala
J-Dub has every tool in the shed. He can shut down the opponents best player and hit the meanest looking layup you’ve seen all with a smile on his face. His love for the game is contagious and makes OKC basketball fun to watch. He is the work-horse of all work-horses. When in doubt, Jalen Williams can deliver a consistent 30-point outing while also hustling for rebounds and diving on loose balls. He has a grit-and-grind mindset that builds winning basketball.
Andre Iguodala is very similar to Jalen Williams in that they are both jack-of-all-trades. The former Finals MVP can lockdown any scorer and give you a tough bucket inside the paint. He has a smooth handle that many defenders can’t keep up with and his mid-range game compares to those of the 80s and 90s. The scrappy leader uses his high basketball IQ to make the most of his time on the court.
If this was a comparison on who would hit a shot if the Martians had the death-beam pointed at earth, the clear choice would be Iguodala. However, it’s not. Jalen Williams gets the upperhand at the small forward position.
The 4: Chet Holmgren vs Draymond Green
The lengthy 7-foot big man who was once crossing up Stephen Curry while wearing a mask in a high school gym is now crossing up defenders and hitting step-back threes in the NBA. The former second-overall pick is as reliable as any big man in the league. He can score from anywhere on the court and can use his alien-like wingspan to block shots. If he’s not rolling off screens or posting up in the paint, he’s hitting 30-foot jumpers with ease. His quick handle makes him dangerous outside the arc and his height and athleticism makes him just as, if not more, dangerous inside. The only person capable of stopping the 7 ‘1, 208 pound unicorn that is Chet Holmgren has to be someone physical enough and annoying enough.
That person is Draymond Green. The former Michigan State tight end has been one of the most physical defenders this league has seen since he entered it in 2012. The two-time defensive player of the year can guard all five positions at an elite level. If he’s not annoying you by deflecting and poking every loose ball he sees, he’s definitely getting in your head with his legendary trash talk. Green is a loud power forward whose quickness makes him one of the best on-ball defenders of all time. On the offensive end, Draymond does everything. He hustles for rebounds, dishes out assists, and can hit threes despite his awkward looking jumpshot. His IQ on the court is comparable to all-time greats and he uses that to get his teammates open for easy buckets.
A battle between a unicorn and a bull would be just as entertaining as one between Holmgren and Green. However, Draymond’s physicality is too much for Holmgren. Green has the advantage.
The 5: Isaiah Hartenstein vs Andrew Bogut
The German big man is the newest addition to this Oklahoma City team. While his presence on the court isn’t necessarily shown in the box score, it’s definitely felt. He is one the best screen setters in the league, creating open drives and shots for his teammates. He is a rebounding machine, snagging both offensive and defensive rebounds like his life depends on it. Offensively he creates space for the Thunder and whenever he gets a chance, he can make any post move look easy and any defender look small.
Hartenstein’s Australian counterpart might be an even better screen setter. Andrew Bogut created more shots for his guards than anyone. He would meet Stephen Curry by the half-court line, set a screen that would send the defender to the ground and roll with the power and speed of an NFL linebacker. He crashed harder for rebounds than anyone else on the court and would either put up a ferocious dunk or dish the ball out to an open shooter. Bogut is often forgotten about when fans discuss the Warriors, but his simple existence on the court turned great basketball into legendary basketball.
With all that being said, Hartenstein beats out Bogut at the center spot.
Summary
Two legendary starting lineups playing just 10 years apart seems like a huge missed opportunity. While all basketball enthusiasts would have loved to see a seven-game series between these two squads, all they can do now is dream and appreciate the basketball being played. While comparing the starting lineups gave the 2016 Golden State Warriors the victory, fans will never know the outcome of this matchup.