Stephen A. Smith says teams like Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder prove depth beats superstar stacking in today's NBA
The 2025 NBA Finals showcase a significant transformation in basketball strategy. The time when having three superstars ensured victory is behind us. Stephen A. Smith points out this change, referencing the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder—teams that have chosen to emphasize depth and youth instead of star power—as models of a new, successful method for building championship teams.
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Their experiences challenge the old norms and indicate a rethinking of what it means to win in the current NBA.
Stephen A. Smith Highlights the Rise of Depth-Driven Teams in the NBA Finals
Stephen A. Smith has openly discussed how forming superteams isn't yielding the results people hoped for. He points out that even with star-studded groups like Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker in Phoenix, or LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook in Los Angeles, these teams haven't met the hype.
On the flip side, the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder have succeeded by building well-rounded teams with up-and-coming players and adaptable role players.
The Thunder's rise is definitely impressive. Wrapping up the regular season with an outstanding 68–14 record, they were spearheaded by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who put up an average of 32.7 points per game. With All-Star Jalen Williams by his side and key additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, Oklahoma City shows how teamwork can beat a bunch of solo stars.
THE PAUL GEORGE EFFECT 💥 Stephen A. on why teams SHOULDN'T stack stars in today's NBA | First Take
The Pacers' trek to their first NBA Finals in 25 years emphasizes the importance of depth and resilience. After dealing with some early-season hiccups, Indiana charged through the playoffs, beating strong opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers. Their triumph is due to a solid roster featuring Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, all playing key roles without any one player overshadowing the others.
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Both of these stories back up Smith's point that a well rounded, flexible team can be better than pouring everything into only the very best 2 people that you have. Adaptability, teamwork and having a good game plan is what is key towards making a championship worthy team in the current NBA scene exhibited by the Pacers and the Thunder.
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The NBA Finals of 2025 point to changes in how teams are created in professional basketball. In Stephen A. Smith's view, there's increasingly acknowledgement that strong teamwork and a range of players are more important than just having a couple of outstanding individuals. While both teams vie for the title, they're also bringing new ideas about team building in the NBA.
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