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Inside The Thunder

OKC Thunder to Benefit From Talented Depth

No matter what services the Oklahoma City Thunder need, they can likely find it off the bench.
OKC Thunder to Benefit From Talented Depth
OKC Thunder to Benefit From Talented Depth

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The Oklahoma City Thunder are prepared to roll out a star-studded, young lineup featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

There's a great mix of current talent and potential with that lineup and the versatility gives the lineup the ability to compete with just about anybody.

However, the versatility of the Thunder doesn't stop with the starting lineup. What's unique about the roster crunch is that the Thunder is passing on serviceable, high-upside talents. The team is going to be able to play 12 players in their matchups and not take too much of a hit for it.

With the additions of Cason Wallace and Vasilije Micic, the team has a level of talent on the bench that the team can show the opposition different looks on any given night. Tre Mann is another talented guard off the bench. Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe need to find guard/wing minutes off the bench.

When facing a long, tiring schedule, the Thunder will be able to remain fresh and continue playing deep into their bench without taking too much of a talent hit. 

This doesn't just go for the guards, though. Ousmane Dieng and Kenrich Williams will both be helpful as wings. Keyontae Johnson on his two-way contract could be of service, too. 

Aleksej Pokusevski, Jaylin Williams and Jeremiah Robinson-Early backup Chet Holmgren at the big man spot. 

With so many options at every single position, the Thunder and head coach Mark Daigneault will be able to get incredibly creative with the lineups they want to roll out, and as the team faces back-to-backs, or generally stale nights where things start slow, there are a deep amount of talent that the team can turn to when trying to switch things up.

While there are plenty of reasons to believe the Thunder is due for another leap, the amount of playable talent on the roster is just one reason to turn towards. 


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Kade Kimble
KADE KIMBLE

Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's On SI in 2022.