Since the departure of Lu Dort earlier this summer, fans and pundits alike have been left wondering who the Oklahoma City Thunder will now turn to as their starting shooting guard.
To many, Cason Wallace seems to be the most obvious choice to serve as his successor, considering his All-Defensive intangibles coupled with the fact that he served as the departed veteran's primary understudy for the past three years.
Of course, some have also made the case that rising star Ajay Mitchell, who just posted a ridiculous 18.4 points, 4.7 assists, 3.9 boards, and 1.0 steals while going an undefeated 7-0 in his starts this past postseason, has earned the right to be considered for the role as well.
Frankly, though this question of who will step into the first-five lineup alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the backcourt may certainly be exciting to ponder, the reality is, it's far from the most pressing question this Thunder team should be concerning themselves with.
In fact, what matters most about their in-game rotation orientation is not who starts the game but rather who finishes it.
Most important roles for OKC Thunder come down to closing lineup
Sure, getting the starting nod is more flashy from a prestige standpoint, but being called upon down the stretch when the game is on the line is all the more important.
Last season, Dort, in particular, was someone who filled in as the starting shooting guard when healthy and active, though he was often swapped out in the fourth quarter and overtime for the likes of both Wallace and Mitchell, with the latter two averaging more playing time during such periods than the 27-year-old.
Now, granted, it's not like the Thunder found themselves in all that close of contests down the stretch last year.
After all, they did just lead the league for the second-straight season in point differential with a whopping plus-11.1.
However, in times when a stop is needed or buying a bucket is necessary, having the right personnel out there is a must.
So while the allure of one of Wallace and Mitchell, or even a wildcard option in Jared McCain or Alex Caruso for that matter, earning a full-time starting spot within the title-hopeful Thunder rotation may be enticing, the real honor should be getting the nod to hold the line and close things out when the going gets tough during the late stages of games
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