“We won't remember it” — NBA legend Gilbert Arenas drops bombshell take on OKC Thunder's championship run for one reason

Arenas didn’t hold back when asked how this OKC Thunder championship would be remembered in the larger NBA storybook. For him, the answer was simple: it won’t. Why? Arenas has a simple explanation, he believes that small market teams do not create much splash to be remembered in history, rather they will be in the chapter as a mere 2025 champion. The NBA legend firmly dismissed that small market teams have very less chance of getting into the spotlight and even when they do, the likelihood of fans remembering it as a glorious moment could be slim to none.

NBA legend Gilbert Arenas shared controversial remark on OKC Thunder’s championship legacy

Gilbert Arenas does not hesitate to give his blunt statements on NBA stars and games, no matter how controversial it may sound. In his similar fashion, the former NBA superstar has recently shared his bold take on the OKC Thunder’s championship.

“Nothing. We won’t remember it,” Arenas said. “Let’s just be honest. When it comes to small-market teams, we don’t remember much about them. We don’t really talk about the Toronto championship, we don’t talk about the Bucks-Giannis championship. With this one, the only memorable thing was the Hali game-winner in Game 1. Other than that, there was nothing really in this Finals that makes you say, ‘Oh my god, this was the great Finals.’”


While fans might argue otherwise, especially in Oklahoma City, Arenas' critique comes down to the lack of established veteran superstars and a compelling central narrative. The Thunder — with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, and defensive anchor Alex Caruso — may have won convincingly, but Arenas suggests they didn’t capture widespread attention.

Even Haliburton’s dramatic game-winner in Game 1 didn’t shift Arenas’ stance. Instead, he believes the Pacers guard’s most memorable performance came earlier in the playoffs.

“I think (Haliburton) will be more remembered for the Eastern Conference Finals, what he did to the New York Knicks. I think he will be remembered more for that series than really what happened in the Finals.”

Still, for those inside the Thunder locker room, the journey was anything but forgettable. Oklahoma City’s 103–91 Game 7 win not only ended a 17-year title drought — dating back to their days as the Seattle SuperSonics — but also capped a dominant season that saw them finish with the NBA’s best record. Despite Haliburton’s unfortunate Achilles injury in the opening quarter of Game 7, the Pacers battled hard, holding a slim halftime lead before OKC pulled away in the third.

Veteran guard Alex Caruso, who joined the Thunder after winning a title with the Lakers in 2020, offered a more heartfelt perspective.

"Yeah, now I got a real one. Now nobody can say anything," Caruso said. "I think just because of the way the team is constructed now versus the team I had in 2020, like it was much harder with this team just because of the experience, right?"

Also Read: Did Alex Caruso diss out LeBron James and Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 championship? Here’s what OKC Thunder star said after beating Indiana Pacers

Arenas take is certainly wild, and he has a point, but the Thunder had a thunderous run this season, dominating the league and being top of the ladder. While a big team would bring possibly more attention, Thunder’s winning chapter will not fade into oblivion.