Roundtable sessions: OKC Thunder lineups, rotations and reserve units

Thunderous Intentions roundtable sessions continue with a focus on the OKC Thunder best lineups, rotations and reserve units.

The OKC Thunder entered training camp with the maximum allowable 20 participants. Of those, 13 players are locked in for the season with guaranteed salaries. The other seven players in the mix feature two non or partial guaranteed salaried players, the two-way contracted players and another three participants on exhibit 10 contracts.

After the Blue and White Scrimmage and two preseason games, each of the guaranteed contracted players has hit the hardwood except Andre Roberson. Of the other seven players, three have yet to be tapped to hit the court including DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell, Eric Moreland and Myke Henry.

The Roberson situation grows more and more suspect with each passing game given all indications were positive heading into the B&W Scrimmage that he would play. Likewise, the thinking was after a few days rest he’d suit up for the Mavericks game, but again he sat as he did in game two of the preseason versus the New Zealand Breakers.

In the first match Roberson was listed out for rest and versus the Breakers as a DNP CD (did not play, coaches decision). The next opportunity for ARob will come on Tuesday in Dallas.

The other three players aren’t as concerning as they represent long shots to make the varsity team at the end of the bench no less. They could, however, be earmarked for the Thunder G-League affiliate the OKC Blue. At a minimum that trio specifically affords Billy Donovan with options. He can utilize them as a prep team who defend against any variety of lineups Billy D elects to try out in practice to gauge chemistry and fit.

Given those dynamics the focus of the second segment of the T.I. roundtable sessions is OKC Thunder rotations and lineup possibilities.