TIPSLIFEHACKS

The 2020s have been a whirlwind of moves in the NBA, with teams constantly reshaping their rosters in pursuit of a championship. As we hit the midpoint of the decade, it's time to take a critical look back at some of the biggest missteps. Veteran NBA analyst Kram has meticulously examined each team's transactions, and his findings point to a glaring error made by the Oklahoma City Thunder: allowing Alperen Sengun to leave.

Sengun, now a rising star for the Houston Rockets, was initially drafted by the Thunder in the 2021 NBA draft. However, they quickly traded him to Houston in a three-team deal involving the Rockets, Pistons, and Thunder, primarily to acquire Trey Murphy III. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable move, adding a shooter to a young Thunder roster. But with the benefit of hindsight, it's clear that the Thunder may have given up a potentially franchise-altering talent in Sengun.

The Rockets have nurtured Sengun's development beautifully. He's blossomed into a dynamic scorer, rebounder, and playmaker, showcasing a unique blend of skill and physicality. His offensive versatility and rapidly improving defensive awareness make him a complete player, a rarity in today's NBA. He’s consistently improved each season, demonstrating a commitment to growth and a willingness to embrace challenges.

Consider the Thunder's trajectory. While they've made significant strides and are now a competitive team, the addition of a player like Sengun could have accelerated their ascent to true contention. Imagine a Thunder frontcourt featuring Sengun alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – a potent combination of scoring, playmaking, and defensive tenacity. The potential synergy is undeniable.

It's easy to second-guess decisions made in the past, especially when the outcome is clear. However, in this case, the evidence strongly suggests that the Thunder made a significant error in judgment. Trading Sengun for Murphy, while not a disastrous move in isolation, now appears to be a missed opportunity of epic proportions. It's a decision that will likely be debated for years to come, and it certainly qualifies as the Thunder's biggest regret of the 2020s – a decade-defining miss that could have altered the landscape of the NBA.

The lesson here is clear: sometimes, patience and faith in young talent are the most valuable assets a team can possess. The Thunder learned that lesson the hard way, and Alperen Sengun's continued success in Houston serves as a constant reminder of what could have been.