Thunderous Intentions
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Roundtable sessions: OKC Thunder lineups, rotations and reserve units

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder lines up for the national anthem before the game against the New Zealand Breakers (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKC Thunder lines up for the national anthem before the game against the New Zealand Breakers (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dennis Schroder #17 and Nerlens Noel #3 of the OKC Thunder. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Other than Dennis Schroder and Nerlens Noel which player(s) cements a role with the reserve unit?

Tamberlyn Richardson:

I’ll bury the lede and wait until the last question to dive in with the semantics of the bench. Let’s just say I’m more optimistic about the reserve unit potential than my cohorts. If Donovan were to utilize the starting lineup I suggest then Terrance Ferguson could shine in a reserve 3 and D role especially if Billy uses any iteration of that Greyhound line.

I have a soft spot for Deonte Burton because of all the things he does which don’t show up on a box score. But for those same reasons as much as he can be the x-factor he’s far more likely to just do what’s necessary for the team and his floor unit to succeed. That said if Billy D employs the vaudeville hook on Burton again this season with no superstars to give him an alibi I’ll be the one leading the charge for his expulsion.

Rylan Stiles:

If someone does not have Ferguson in their starting five then the answer is Ferguson. Given the fact that I do, I think Hamidou Diallo will display improved defense and a more versatile offensive game to earn him constant minutes. A longshot: Lu Dort.

Noah Schulte:

Deonte Burton. I’ve been a fan of Burton’s for a while now and if there’s ever been a perfect situation for him, it’s this one. OKC’s wing rotation is one of the squishiest in the league with every single rotation spot seemingly up for grabs. Burton didn’t play a lot last year, but there’s no reason he shouldn’t be able to snatch up some minutes. He’s an exceptionally versatile wing who can play hardnosed defense and slide into a few different places offensively; the Thunder will absolutely need some of that versatility.

Aidan E:

Either Ferguson or Roberson, depending on which one gets relegated to the bench. I don’t have much faith in any other bench player besides them.

Matthew Hallet:

There are a few players who will get good minutes Abdel Nader showed enough last season to extend him more minutes. Also, Ferguson is a borderline starter so he will swap out with both Roberson and SGA. Hamidou Diallo is able to change the pace of a game therefore will get increased minutes this year. It is difficult to get a read on what Darius Bazley will do as Billy Donovan has never really been one to trust in youth thus far.

Kevon Stewart:

I think that Darius Bazley and Terrance Ferguson will take big steps in cementing their spot in the OKC Thunder rotation. These two are the core of the 2nd unit and will spearhead the youth movement in OKC.

Tyler Barger:

I believe that Hamidou Diallo and Terrance Ferguson will cement big roles in the second unit.

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