The start of this 2024-25 campaign has been nothing but exciting and overall enjoyable to witness for the fanbase and, presumably, to take part in for OKC Thunder.
Following Monday's win over the Magic, they've officially rattled off seven consecutive wins which marks the first team since the franchise migrated to the southwest back in 2008 where they've kicked off a year 7-0.
Throughout these infancy stages of the season, coach Mark Daigneault has gotten quite experimental with his rotation choices. While he's obviously stuck with his core four of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, and Lu Dort, the fifth player within the first five lineup has constantly been switched up.
Through this point in the season, the most frequently used final starter has been Cason Wallace, who recently slotted in for his third go-around with the unit against Orlando.
While his stat line may not have screamed all-out difference-maker on the night, as he wrapped with just 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist on 33.3 percent shooting from the field, following the contest coach Daigneault was found gushing over his promising sophomore talent, praising his two-way stability and continued growth in his game compared to 2023-24.
Mark Daigneault praises Cason Wallace as fifth OKC Thunder starter
"I love Cason. He's gotten a lot better. He's quietly under the radar. He had a great start to the season he's definitely a different player year over year on both ends of the floor. more confidence and decisiveness on offense and more range to his game there and defensively I think he's really improved his body and improved his strength... I'm comfortable with him in any minute of the game," Daigneault said of Wallace.
What's exciting to note about the headman's commentary on Wallace is his recognition of the combo guard's increased strength and physicality, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, as this was an area of his game he worked on throughout the summer and publicly expressed a desire to show off in 2024-25.
While his block and tight defense on primary assignments against the Magic certainly served as quality examples of his impressive abilities on the less glamorous side of the ball, as Daigneault alluded to Wallace is an all-around player who, in many ways, has flown "under the radar."
Directly after putting forth an All-Rookie earning campaign, Wallace is off to an impressive follow-up run this year, as he's received an uptick in both role and minutes (25.6 per game compared to 20.6), and is boasting averages of 7.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
A player that almost any team in the association would be thrilled to have within their arsenal, Mark Daigneault seems to be over the moon in love with the fact that his Thunder have him as a trusty spot starter.