A Uncommon Playbook
Georgia’s head coach Kirby Smart has turned his attention to the Oklahoma City Thunder as a model for sustained excellence.
The Thunder captured an NBA championship last season and posted some of the league’s most impressive defensive metrics, including a record number of forced turnovers and a historic defensive rating.
The franchise has posted back-to-back 60‑plus win seasons, a feat that underscores its consistency, and stars such as Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams have emerged as league‑defining talents.
Smart, who has long emphasized the value of being ‘uncommon’ and celebrating the achievements of rivals, sees in the Thunder a blueprint for blending elite talent with disciplined systems.
He believes that the Thunder’s approach to player development, defensive scheming and embracing a culture of uncommonness can be adapted to the college game, where the Bulldogs are again positioned as a top contender.
If the Thunder remain title favorites for another campaign, Smart says the lesson is clear: success breeds opportunity, and the best way to stay ahead is to learn from those who are already there.