Following the departure of Lu Dort this summer, many are expecting the OKC Thunder to look to Cason Wallace as their new primary two-guard for the 2026-27 season.
Throughout his three full seasons with the club, Wallace has served as the veteran's primary understudy. With this, it's only logical that he would be considered next in line to take over as his rotational heir apparent.
Of course, a starting gig may not be the only thing the 22-year-old could be in line for this coming season, as HoopsWire's Sam Amico recently revealed he "could be asked to do considerably more for the Thunder next season," especially with the team's decision to offload guys like Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
Now, what this could entail is certainly still up for debate.
With the presence of elite offensive threats who create immense defensive gravity like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams around him, the Thunder could more heavily lean on his off-the-catch scoring abilities, which is an area of his game he may want to improve upon after splashing home on just 35.7 percent of such attempts last year.
Considering reports are that SGA is inclined to play a bit more off the ball next season, perhaps he could even be entrusted as an on-ball weapon, something he has gone on record saying is "fun" for him to do.
Fortunately, regardless of the route coach Mark Daigneault chooses to take with Wallace, it seems the youngster is ready for the challenge.
Cason Wallace actively gearing up for new opportunity with Thunder
Wallace is certainly showing a willingness to put in the work ahead of what should be a season full of new opportunities.
This summer, the guard has been found hard at work in the gym, both by himself and running with teammates, getting in drills and working on his overall craft.
Last season already proved to be a career-best campaign for the former lottery pick, as he wrapped up year three with impressive averages of 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals while earning All-Defensive Second Team honors and finishing seventh in the running for DPOY.
Now, with Dort no longer ahead of him on the depth chart, Wallace is presumably set to take his talents to the starting lineup on a full-time basis.
Such a promotion would undoubtedly be welcomed both due to his eagerness to get better as a player, as he put it during his exit interview, as well as his desire to cash in on his next payday, as he's entering a contract year and, with the rumored price points for some of his equals across the league, could be in line for a handsome raise with his next deal should he raise his play to another level.
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