3 Bench players who could become regular starters within Thunder rotation

The OKC Thunder appear to be abiding by a somewhat unorthodox approach to their rotational strategy during these early stages of the 2024-25 season.

Through three games played, headman Mark Daigneault has shown off just how strong his talent pool is by using three different starting lineups and, as a result, boasting one of only three undefeated records at this point in time at 3-0.

While this experimentation is a true testimony to just how deep Oklahoma City's roster is, with superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going as far as to classify their revolving rotation as "a luxury," sooner or later it may be wise from both a coaching and on-court chemistry standpoint to solidify a consistent core five to have kicking off contests.

Though it seems that at least three Thunder players in SGA, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams are already locks to serve as long-term starters, and perhaps even four if you want to Luguentz Dort who has started 155 of his last 156 regular season games, there are a few players who could find themselves in the running to snatch up a regular role alongside them at some point this season.

Thunder who could become regular starters this season

Cason Wallace

After a highly underrated rookie campaign that was somewhat overshadowed by the excellent play of his fellow first-year cohort, Chet Holmgren, Cason Wallace finds himself coming into year two likely with an aim to up his game in virtually every which way.

Already, the 20-year-old has showcased his impressive two-way abilities in 2024-25, and even graced the starting lineup with such attributes in OKC's game two blowout win over the Chicago Bulls where he dropped 9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.

Now, granted, his shooting production has been far from ideal thus far, as he's cashing in on a lowly 33.3 percent from the field and 11.1 percent from distance but, considering he sported splits of 49.1/41.9/78.4, one shouldn't expect this lackluster conversion rate to remain the norm as the year progresses.

Should the Thunder wish for more ball-handling in the frontcourt while not having to sacrifice their top-ranked defensive efforts (90.8 defensive rating), a first five consisting of Wallace, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren could prove to be the ideal configuration.

Aaron Wiggins

In many ways, Aaron Wiggins just may be the most underrated player the NBA currently has to offer, and his play through these first few games of the 2024-25 season is only further strengthening such a sentiment.

Logging just 17.7 minutes per game so far, the fourth-year pro finds himself ranking fourth in points (10.7), second in offensive rating (127), and third in box plus-minus (3.3) out of those on the team who have logged 50 or more minutes on the year.

Like the previously mentioned Wallace, Wiggins has also been an individual who has seen himself inserted into Oklahoma City's ever-changing starting five, and, in his 18 minutes of action, went on to drop 9 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal while shooting 75.0 percent from the floor and 50.0 percent shooting from distance en route to the team's largest route on the year against the Hawks.

With his two-way intangibles, there's an argument to be made that his insertion into the first five rotation could be just as beneficial as Cason's from a productivity perspective.

That being said, if the Thunder wish to keep Shai, Chet, and J-Dub where they currently are and are unwilling to slide the 6-foot-4 Dort down to the three, keeping him at the two and slotting Wiggins' 6-foot-6 frame and 6-foot-11 wingspan in at small forward could be an ideal move.

Isaiah Hartenstein

Without question, of all the players mentioned on this list, Isaiah Hartenstein is the most likely to be inserted into the starting five on a consistent basis by year's end.

Signed this offseason to a three-year, $87 million deal, the addition of I-Hart was, in large, due to Oklahoma City's desire to beef up their frontcourt after being manhandled by the bigger and bulkier bigs their conference houses.

Of course, despite his lucrative payday, there was some initial speculation that the Thunder could ultimately opt to use him off the pine rather than run a dual-big lineup with him and Chet Holmgren. What strengthened such a hypothetical was the fact that he slotted into the starting lineup just once during his three preseason games with the club.

Now, while his left-hand injury has resulted in Mark Daigneault using Jalen Williams at the four and Chet at the five like last season, once Hartenstrein makes his return to the hardwood in early-to-mid November the reigning Coach of the Year will be forced to decide whether to continue with the current lineup that has led them to an undefeated or to shake things up and go with beefing up the rotation.

Though Holmgren has managed to hold down the fort at the pivot on both ends of the floor and, truth be told, looks stronger than he did during his rookie season in 2023-24, the benefits of Hartenstein's rough-and-tough style of play, menacing 7-foot, 249-pound frame, and underrated passing skills running alongside his fellow 7-footer might be too luxurious for the Thunder to pass up on, especially down the stretch.