You know, there might be something to the old "defense wins champions" adage. Just ask your banner-raising Oklahoma City Thunder for proof.
Or maybe a simple scan of the 2026 NBA trade deadline would suffice. Because when you start searching through some of the (surprising) biggest buyers, like the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards, you'll notice the steep prices they just paid for Jaren Jackson Jr. and Anthony Davis, respectively (five first-round picks and three second-rounders in all).
All in the hopes of eventually getting their defenses up to a championship level. Or following the OKC banner-raising blueprint, if you will.