Former NBA forward Chandler Parsons said that the Oklahoma City Thunder’s young trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams could become more productive than the Los Angeles Clippers’ veteran trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden as soon as next year.
Parsons specified that from a resume standpoint, Los Angeles’ Big 3 still takes the cake easily. But over the course of a full season, he explained that it may not be long before Oklahoma City’s trio becomes superior.
"SGA, Chet, and Jalen Williams, how long until they surpass Kawhi, PG, Harden?" @MichelleDBeadle
"I think it could be as early as next year…I'm talking next year on the court productivity." @ChandlerParsons
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/HbmC7NPpF9
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) February 22, 2024
The Thunder and Clippers are both enjoying strong seasons, and they’re battling each other for positioning in the Western Conference. As things currently stand, Oklahoma City owns the No. 2 seed with a 38-17 record, while Los Angeles owns the No. 3 seed with a 36-18 record.
There’s a long way to go, but a playoff matchup between the two teams could be in the cards this season. A series between the two squads would give fans a chance to see how the trios measure up.
The Thunder have become fast risers in the NBA. Just two seasons ago, they won a mere 24 regular season games. Now, they look like one of the better teams in the West, and their future seems very bright.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are trying to take advantage of their title window before it closes. Many of their best players are aging, but there’s likely still time for the team to make a championship push before it’s too late.
On Thursday, the Thunder and Clippers met in Oklahoma City, and the home team won easily. The Thunder earned a 129-107 victory behind a strong performance from Gilgeous-Alexander. He finished with 31 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
The Western Conference is going to be an interesting topic of conversation this season and beyond. The conference is loaded with contenders right now, but as certain teams age and others improve, the West could look a little different in the future.
In the meantime, teams are looking to finish the 2023-24 regular season with a bang before the playoffs arrive and things start to heat up.
