Raiders Worst to First? Crosby & NBA Thunder Comparison

Raiders‘ Maxx Crosby Channels thunder’s Rise: A Blueprint for NFL Turnaround?

Las Vegas Raiders’ star edge rusher, Maxx Crosby, is drawing inspiration from an unexpected source: the Oklahoma City thunder. Crosby believes the Thunder’s journey from struggling team to NBA champions offers a potential roadmap for the Raiders’ own aspirations.

Raiders’ Rocky Road: A Statistical Overview

The Las Vegas Raiders have faced considerable challenges in recent years. Their combined record of 18 wins over the last three seasons places them among the NFL’s lowest.

Further, their struggles extend over a longer period; as 2002, the Raiders have only reached the playoffs twice, a record surpassed only by the Cleveland Browns.

“We just saw it in the NBA: OKC, just a couple years ago, was one of the worst teams in the league,” Crosby stated, highlighting the Thunder’s transformation.

The Thunder’s Ascent: From Bottom to Top

The Oklahoma City Thunder‘s path to glory serves as a compelling narrative of perseverance and strategic team building. After a 22-50 record in 2021 and a subsequent 24-58 record in 2022, the Thunder demonstrated significant betterment in 2023, finishing 40-42.

This upward trajectory culminated in an outstanding 68-14 record in 2025, securing them the top seed in the Western Conference and their first NBA title, fueled by league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Did You Know? the Oklahoma City Thunder’s remarkable point differential in 2025 was the best in NBA history, showcasing their dominance.

Comparing Trajectories: Raiders vs.Thunder

While Crosby acknowledges the Raiders aren’t in the exact position the Thunder were before their breakthrough, he hopes they can emulate the strides made in 2023, unexpectedly entering the playoff conversation.

The Raiders face skepticism, reflected in their FanDuel Sportsbook over/under of 5.5 wins and long odds for playoff contention and Super Bowl victory.

One key difference lies in the absence of a player comparable to the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, highlighting the challenge for the Raiders.

Pro Tip:

Focus on player development and strategic acquisitions to build a competitive team capable of exceeding expectations, similar to the Thunder’s approach.

Key Differences Between the Teams

Factor	Oklahoma City Thunder (2024-2025)	Las vegas Raiders (Current)
Recent Performance	57 wins, Second Round playoff loss	4-13 Record
Key Player	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (MVP Candidate)	None of Equivalent caliber
Team Depth	Deep Roster with Playoff Contributors	Lacking Proven Depth
Expectations	Playoff Contender	Low Expectations

Building a Winning Culture: Lessons from the Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s transformation underscores the importance of several key factors in building a prosperous sports franchise.Strategic drafting, patient player development, and fostering a cohesive team environment are critical components.

Recent data indicates that teams prioritizing player development through specialized coaching and advanced training techniques frequently enough experience higher levels of success. Additionally, cultivating a strong leadership core within the team can drive performance and resilience.

The Role of Coaching and Management

effective coaching and management play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing talent. Coaches who can effectively communicate their vision, implement strategic game plans, and adapt to evolving player dynamics are essential for a team’s growth.

Moreover, a supportive management structure that provides resources, promotes collaboration, and encourages innovation can create an environment conducive to sustained success.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Question: What challenges do the Las vegas Raiders face in mirroring the Oklahoma City Thunder’s success?
  
  Answer: The Las Vegas Raiders face significant challenges, including a less favorable current roster compared to the Thunder’s emerging talent and the absence of a player with the same caliber as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
• question: how many combined games have the Raiders won over the last three seasons?
  
  Answer: The Las Vegas Raiders have secured just 18 combined victories over the past three NFL seasons,ranking them among the teams with the fewest wins in the league.
• Question: What is Maxx Crosby’s vision for the Raiders’ future?
  
  Answer: Maxx Crosby envisions the Las Vegas Raiders emulating the Oklahoma City Thunder’s path by trusting the development process, fostering growth among young players, and creating a winning culture.
• Question: What were the Oklahoma City Thunder’s regular season records prior to their championship?
  
  Answer: Before their championship-winning season,the Oklahoma City Thunder had regular season records of 22-50 in 2021,24-58 in 2022,and 40-42 in 2023,illustrating their journey from a struggling team to a dominant force.
• Question: What are the betting odds for the Las Vegas raiders’ success in the upcoming season?
  
  Answer: According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Las Vegas Raiders have an over/under of 5.5 wins, with +310 odds to make the playoffs and +10000 odds to win the Super Bowl, indicating low expectations from oddsmakers.

Can the Raiders replicate the thunder’s turnaround? What other teams have successfully rebuilt themselves in recent years? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

Here are some PAA (People Also Ask) related questions for the article “Raiders’ Worst-to-First Dream: A Crosby & Thunder-Inspired NFL Turnaround”:

Raiders’ Worst-to-First Dream: A Crosby & Thunder-Inspired NFL Turnaround

the NFL is known for its unpredictability, and the dream of going from the league’s worst record to Super Bowl contender is a recurring theme. Can the Las Vegas Raiders, under the leadership (and potential future leadership) of key players like Maxx Crosby, emulate the turnaround achieved by other teams, drawing inspiration from the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder or NFL Legends similar to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ success?

The Thunder’s Rebuild Blueprint: Lessons for the Raiders

The Oklahoma City Thunder, after relocating and weathering a period of tough seasons, implemented a strategic rebuild that saw them quickly rise to prominence in the NBA. This provides insightful lessons for how the Las Vegas Raiders can approach their own transformation. This path is a classic example, highlighting effective strategies for long-term development.

Drafting and Developing Talent: The Cornerstone of the Rebuild

A accomplished rebuild hinges on astute draft picks and the ability to develop young talent. The Thunder’s success was built early on securing top draft choices and nurturing their growth. The Raiders must do the same. Key early draft picks (the 2023 draft class, for example) and cultivating player development, is a crucial step toward success. Exploring NFL Draft results for relevant data is a good practice.

• Identifying Key Positions: Targeting positions of need in the draft based on long-term team goals
• Player Development: Investing in coaching and training programs specifically tailored to each player’s needs and position.
• Building a Culture of Excellence: Instilling a culture of hard work, discipline, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Strategic Cap Management and Free Agency: Balancing the Roster

The Thunder carefully managed their salary cap, making smart decisions in free agency to complement their drafted talent.The Raiders must do the same! This involves strategically signing free agents to fill specific needs without overspending and hindering future versatility.

Aspect	Thunder Strategy	Raiders Application
Draft-Day Trades	Acquiring key draft picks	Trading to gain draft picks
Free Agency	Strategic signings to fill needs	Signing free agents with discipline
Cap Management	Avoiding overspending	Prudent managing of player contracts

Crosby’s Leadership and the Steelers’ Model of Leadership Success

Maxx Crosby is an all-pro defensive end and serves as a very vital piece of the Raiders’ culture. Just as the Pittsburgh Steelers have throughout their history demonstrated a strong culture of leadership,a similar development on the Raiders is essential for success.

Building a Winning Culture: The Power of Leadership

The Pittsburgh Steelers, historically and presently, are known for their strong leadership, which is the backbone of their success. The Raiders can mirror this by recognizing and growing leadership qualities in their players, such as Crosby and others. This involves fostering a team surroundings that values accountability. The NFL’s official website on player development offers insights.

• Leading by Example: Players who demonstrate commitment and work ethic.
• Encouraging Dialog: Open communication is critically important for overall team cohesion among the players.
• Team Cohesion: Building a team that focuses on building culture.

Long-Term Vision and Patience: The Keys to Lasting Success

both the Thunder and the Steelers understood that building a winning team takes time.The Raiders must adopt a similar long-term approach, understanding that success isn’t guaranteed overnight. This requires patience from both the team and the fans, and steady, strategic decision-making.

A long-term strategy, consistent coaching, and steady leadership are key in creating a winning Raiders team. The Raiders are hopeful that these lessons will build the team of tomorrow with the winning potential.The question is, will the Raiders make a worst-to-first push like the Thunder and Steelers?