The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to begin the 2024-25 NBA season as strong contenders for the championship. Following their impressive first-seed finish last year, they have entered a promising championship window. Over the offseason, the Thunder strategically utilized their salary cap to bring in seasoned players Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, adding valuable experience and depth to their roster.
These new acquisitions are expected to complement the Thunder’s core trio—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams—who will lead the team in the coming seasons. Head coach Mark Daigneault, known for his experimental approach with lineups and rotations, will likely continue to tweak combinations to find the most effective groups on the floor.
Potential Lineups for the 2024-25 Season:
1. The Starters
- Projected Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
The Thunder will likely start four familiar faces from last year’s lineup, with the only notable absence being Josh Giddey, who was traded to the Bulls. The final starting spot is expected to go to Caruso, a versatile 3-and-D player who fits well with the Thunder’s strategy. This lineup is projected to set a strong tone early in games.
2. The Closers
- Projected Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren
The closing lineup mirrors the starters, with Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren being key figures in crunch time. While Dort’s position appears secure due to his defensive prowess, the choice between Caruso and Hartenstein may depend on the specific matchups and game situations.
3. The Shooting Lineup
- Projected Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Joe, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren
This lineup is designed to maximize the Thunder’s shooting capabilities, especially from beyond the arc. Last season, the Thunder led the league in three-point percentage, and with Joe, Caruso, and Dort—all shooting around 40%—they aim to maintain their sharpshooting edge. Holmgren, who also shot 37% from deep, adds another dimension to this formation.
4. The All-Bench Lineup
- Projected Lineup: Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein
Although this lineup may not see regular use, it could be effective when the Thunder are dealing with injuries or need to rest their main stars. Wallace, developing his playmaking skills, leads this group, supported by Joe and Wiggins as reliable off-ball threats, and Hartenstein’s presence in the paint. Kenrich Williams adds toughness, though his spot could be interchangeable with players like Jaylin Williams or Dillon Jones.
5. Going Big
- Projected Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren
This lineup emphasizes size and interior defense. With a mix of height and strength, this formation could overpower smaller teams. Hartenstein and Holmgren provide a formidable frontcourt presence, and their versatility allows Holmgren to expand his role offensively.
6. Going Small
- Projected Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Jalen Williams
In contrast, this small-ball lineup focuses on speed and versatility. Featuring Gilgeous-Alexander as the tallest player at 6’5″, this group can match up defensively against various opponents while maintaining a fast-paced, transition-oriented game. Despite their size, all players are strong defenders, making this lineup a unique blend of speed and defense.
These diverse lineups reflect the Thunder’s adaptability and depth as they approach the new season with high hopes and strategic flexibility.