OKC Thunder: Predicting Mark Daigneault’s starting unit

The 2022-23 NBA Season is finally here and the OKC Thunder kick off its campaign against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October, 19. Coach Mark Daigneault and his staff have OKC Thunder players in training camp to prepare them for a body-testing 82-game calendar. With a focus on developing team chemistry, coach Daignault must decide who the team’s starting unit will be.

The Oklahoma City Thunder bench boss already made it known there will not be a “loud” starting five, at least to start the season, but who might take the reigns and become the most used starting group?

Predicting the starting lineup for the OKC Thunder ahead of the 2022-23 NBA season

G: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Fresh off a career year scoring the ball, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander enters the season knocking on the door of his first All-Star selection. The 24-year-old averaged 24.5 points, 5.9 assists, and five rebounds last season, scoring in a myriad of ways that left fans breathless.

While he experienced career highs in most counting statistical categories, he shot career lows from the field and three-point land. This drop-off can be attributed to being the sole offensive threat on the team and seeing the most double teams per game in the NBA (17.8 via NBACourtOptix Stats).

Either way, he is the unquestioned leader of this team and a lock to lead the charge.

G: Josh Giddey

Triple doubles, breathtaking passing, elite-level rebounding, and his all-around likability have captured the imagination of the OKC Thunder fanbase.

Giddey’s work with “shot guru” Chip Engelland has been well documented and there have been subtle changes to his shot. He appears more fluid, less mechanical, and comfortable shooting off screens. Giddey needs to improve on his shooting efficiency as well which will allow him to open things up for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

F: Luguentz Dort

In today’s game, it is rare to find a 6’4 wing who anchors a team’s defense but Luguentz Dort does just that. The Montreal native was handsomely rewarded with a four-year, $87.5-million contract this offseason and returns to wreak havoc against the league’s best players.

Beyond his impact defensively, Oklahoma City will be hoping Dort can push his three point percentage up to at least league average. While the Arizona State product only shot 33 percent from distance, that number jumps by 11 percent when shot in the corner a year ago.

F: Darius Bazley

This is arguably Darius Bazley’s most crucial season given he is approaching Restricted Free Agency following the 2022-23 campaign. He blossomed as a switchable defender a year ago, grading out as one of the best defenders in the league.

After a rough start offensively, he found his stride as a scorer toward the end of the year. He scored 15 or more points in six of his last 10 games including three-straight games with 25 or more.

Bazley is stacked with talent but his inconsistency has plagued his career to date and frustrated fans. Quicker decision-making, straight-line drives, and improved shot-making from the outside should be his goals for this season.

My biggest concern is he appears to struggle to work off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but found a level of comfort with Giddey. He will need to carve himself a role quickly because there are others waiting to nab his spot.

Either way, it’s sink or swims for Bazley, and it’s up to him to take advantage of this opportunity.

C: Jeremiah Robinson-Earl

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was having a steady rookie year averaging seven points and five rebounds in 22 minutes per game. His development was halted by a nagging foot injury which held him out of 25 consecutive games. He returned towards the end of the season, playing five of the team’s last eight games looking a cut above his peers.

Robinson-Earl flashed the makings of a solid player. Of all OKC Thunder players who played at least 40 games, he was the team’s fourth-best three-point shooter at 35 percent on three attempts. The biggest question is whether he can play the five long-term or if he’s just a power forward. Though, OKC has embraced the idea of being positionless, so traditional slots do not really matter.

There’s a lot on the line for some players who are approaching their third and fourth years in the league and need to show out to prove they are part of the team’s future. Many of these players are on the clock so it will be interesting to see who coach Daigneault selects to start on opening night.