In recent years, the Las Vegas Raiders have struggled significantly, managing only 18 wins over the past three NFL seasons and recording just four victories last year, marking one of their worst performances in their six years in the league. The team’s overall trajectory appears bleak, with only two playoff appearances since 2002 and a record worse than most, except the aging Cleveland Browns. Despite these challenges, star edge rusher Max Crosby sees potential for improvement, drawing inspiration from the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, a team that recently transformed from league underdogs to champions by trusting the development process and fostering young talent.
Crosby pointed out how the Thunder were among the worst NBA teams just a few years ago but rebuilt with young players, developed their skills, and eventually won a championship. The Thunder’s turnaround is impressive: from records like 22-50 in 2021 and 24-58 in 2022, they climbed to a 40-42 record in 2023, eventually becoming the top seed in the Western Conference with a historic 68-14 record in 2025. Led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and formidable defensive players, they secured Oklahoma City’s first NBA title.
Unlike the Thunder, the Raiders currently lack an MVP-level player or equivalent star power. While quarterback Genosmith shows promise and is better than previous starters, he is closer to average than MVP caliber. The Raiders face a tough road ahead in the AFC West, competing against strong teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers, each with recent playoff success. Their schedule remains challenging, with multiple games against top contenders. While an unlikely wildcard playoff spot could happen, it’s more probable that the Raiders will need to rebuild once again rather than immediately contend for a Super Bowl. With star personnel aging and a tough division to conquer, quick success appears a long shot.
The Thunder’s remarkable rise from the bottom to champions provides a hopeful blueprint but also highlights the significant gap the Raiders must close. For now, the Raiders’ prospects appear modest, but the desire for growth and success remains strong among key players.
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Fan Take: This story is compelling for basketball fans because it highlights how patient rebuilding and trust in young talent can lead to ultimate success, as shown by the Thunder’s transformation. It underscores that in sports, whether football or basketball, perseverance and development are crucial and can change the destiny of struggling franchises, offering hope to fans of underperforming teams everywhere.
