The 3 Most Exciting OKC Thunder Lineups For 2023-24
By Ivan White
![Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Head coach Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/230885dac32f2ca19a3510dd17eebb1355694b052983e5ee7d5213d7f86e0a8c.jpg)
The Starters
It’s the obvious answer, but still a correct one.
The OKC Thunder’s core four, plus Lu Dort, will probably share the floor more than any other five-man lineup. And for good reason.
This starting five has been set since last season but will soon see the floor for the first time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will lead the Thunder’s starting lineup as the potential MVP candidate hopes to build on his resume.
The 5. pic.twitter.com/J8EMdOVLzW
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) October 2, 2023
The two young weapons from last season, Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams, will join him in the starting five as they have many times before. As both players hope to make a run at Most Improved Player, they will also try to make their case for the Thunder’s No. 2 option.
The Thunder’s starting lineup last season finished with a negative point differential, but with Jaylin Williams starting, it was missing a critical piece. That piece may be what puts the Thunder over the top.
Chet Holmgren missed his entire first season because of a foot injury, but with an entire season to watch and learn, the rookie should be an immediate impact player. The OKC Thunder’s new starting center gives them a paint presence they have not had since Steven Adams was traded in 2020.
While the other four are vastly important and will positively contribute to the team, Holmgren is the bow that ties the group together. This group will likely start every game when healthy, so their versatility could also help them finish games.