When the Oklahoma City Thunder claimed the 2025 NBA championship, they did so on the back of one of the most dominant defensive campaigns in modern league history. Leading the NBA in steals, deflections, and forced turnovers, the ball club didn't just play defense -- they weaponized it.
While fans marveled at the team’s relentless, switch-everything system, few realized the true secret behind their success was an organizational obsession with wingspan.
General Manager Sam Presti has quietly but deliberately built Oklahoma City’s roster around one defining physical trait: prodigious length.
OKC Thunder roster uses length to their advantage
From the draft to free agency, Presti has consistently targeted players who boast wingspans that far exceed their listed height, creating a roster that overwhelms opponents with its collective reach.