Hope. It is a phrase that is often bandied around when it comes to rebuilding teams. The present is miserable but the hope of a bright future is what keeps a fanbase going. For the first time in years, the Thunder can hope without any qualifiers or considerations. Oklahoma City will enter next season with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and one of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith Jr.
The draft lottery induces anxiety and a sense of dread. Thunder fans dreamed of a top-4 pick last year and ended up sliding to #6. The lottery is completely random and it can be quite brutal.