Oklahoma City Thunder: 3 Players that will play a vital role in OKC's ongoing rebuild

The Oklahoma City Thunder spent the entire 2017-18 season attempting to convince Paul George to commit his long-term future to the franchise. Many inside the NBA believed that the All-Star would head back to his native Los Angeles and join the Lakers in free agency, although the Thunder shocked the NBA by signing George to a four-year extension.

The move seemingly sealed the Thunder's status as contenders, however, following another early playoff exit, Sam Presti made the tough decision to trade PG13 to the Clippers. Russell Westbrook soon followed, leaving the Thunder facing a longterm rebuild.

As the Thunder continue to look toward the future, high earners such as Steven Adams, Chris Paul, and Dennis Schroder are expected to be traded. Nevertheless, not every member of the roster is considered expendable, and here are three young talents that are set to play an important role in OKC's future.

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#3 Hamidou Diallo

Hamidou Diallo's talents were on show during the 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest

Heading into the 18-19 season, few basketball fans had heard the name Hamidou Diallo, although the exciting guard announced himself to the NBA with a memorable performance during the 2019 Slam Dunk Contest.

Before lighting up All-Star Weekend, Diallo had also started to make an impression from the Thunder bench, scoring a career-high 18 points during a November loss to the Sacramento Kings. Surprisingly, Diallo dropped out of Donovan's rotation during the final months of the season, although the rookies raw potential was clear during 51 regular-season appearances.

Diallo's averages of 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per contest don't make for the best reading, although the shooting guard has all the skills to become an excellent two-way player if afforded the time.

#2 Terrance Ferguson

Terrance Ferguson was a regular starter during his second season in the NBA

After spending a year overseas in Australia, Terrance Ferguson was selected by the Thunder with the 21st overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Ferguson was initially signed to the G-League but eventually made 61 first-team appearances during his rookie season.

Carmelo Anthony's departure forced Billy Donovan to shuffle his lineup for the 17-18 campaign, and Ferguson found himself promoted to a starting spot. Ferguson started 74 times, averaging 6.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game - and the 21-year-old also started to improve his accuracy from three-point range.

Ferguson will have a more prominent role on the offensive end following the departures of George and Westbrook, and Presti will expect to see another big jump in Year 3. Ultimately, Ferguson has the potential to develop into a fine three-and-D role player, and the Oklahoma native should be retained for the long haul.

#1 Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander impressed with the Los Angeles Clippers

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was selected with the eleventh overall pick in last year's draft, and the young point guard quickly forced himself into Los Angeles' plans following an impressive showing at Summer League.

The rookie featured in all 82 of the Clippers regular-season games, averaging 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per contest. Gilgeous-Alexander was also able to carry his form into the postseason, and his 25 point Game 4 performance highlighted his potential. Nevertheless, the Clippers sent Gilgeous-Alexander to the Thunder to close out a deal for George.

Westbrook's escape to Houston has opened up the starting point guard spot, and the 21-year-old is likely to be afforded plenty of responsibility in his debut season. Gilgeous-Alexander has struck down comparisons to his predecessor, although due to his immense potential, the Thunder will be confident that the Toronto native can replace Westbrook as the face of the franchise.