The Oklahoma City Thunder are building a contender. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as a star in the NBA. Meanwhile, Josh Giddey showed promise last season. And the Thunder recently selected former Gonzaga star Chet Holmgren in the 2022 NBA Draft. And Giddey recently revealed he was delighted when OKC drafted Holmgren.

ESPN's Malika Andrews asked Giddey about playing alongside Holmgren.

“It's great. All through the pre-draft process, that was the guy I secretly wanted to play with,” Giddey said. “I knew he was a special talent. He can stretch the floor, finishes well at the ring, protects the ring like I've never seen before from a guy his age. He has my back on that end. To play with someone like him is really special.”

OKC fans are hopeful Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren can team up with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to lead the Thunder to a championship down the road. The Thunder might not be ready for that level of competition just yet, but this is a team on the rise.

Chet Holmgren has already displayed flashes of brilliance during the NBA Summer League. Former Thunder superstar Kevin Durant shouted out Holmgren following his NBA Summer League debut.

“I see u cookin 7. First day on the job was a success, love the kicks.”

Holmgren wore KD shoes during the game. His performance and shoes caught Durant's attention.

It will be interesting to see how this team fares in 2022-2023. They could be in line to make a postseason run. Thunder fans have reason to be excited.