Recent remarks indicate unique lineup Thunder may unleash vs Spurs in preseason debut

With the first week of training camp now in the rearview, the OKC Thunder find themselves gearing up for their first lick of on-court action against an opposing club in months with Monday's preseason opener against the Spurs.

Though perhaps not meaningful in the sense that the outcome will impact their end-of-season record, this annual stretch of exhibitions always carries value with it, as it's a time when chemistry starts to build, bubble players can compete for future playing time with the varsity team, and, perhaps most important, in-game rotations can begin to take shape.

Coming into Monday's 2024 preseason debut showing against San Antonio, this last point mentioned seems to be something fans may wish to pay close attention to, as recent commentary suggests coach Mark Daigneault has gotten quite experimental with his lineup construction.

Dillon Jones highlights his rotational usage within OKC Thunder rotation

During a post-practice media session, rookie Dillon Jones discussed the different lineup assortments the Thunder have been working with thus far into camp, saying that coach Daigneault "does a good job of mixing and matching guys all over the floor."

When specifically asked how his role has been affected by these varying rotations, the first-rounder revealed that even he's been utilized anywhere from a ball-handling guard to a primary center.

Heading into June's NBA Draft, it was well established and documented that Jones was an incredibly versatile brand of talent what with his rebounding skills (averaged 10.5 boards during his final three seasons at Weber State), distribution abilities (dropped 5.2 dimes a night during his senior season), and defensive chops (2.1 defensive box plus-minus for his collegiate career).

That said, the idea of seeing the 6-foot-6 wing being used down at the five may not have realistically been on anyone's bingo card with him coming into the association, yet, through these early stages of the preseason, the Thunder have been experimenting with exactly that.

While this scheme should by no means be seen as one fans could regularly see being used throughout the 2024-25 campaign, it is something to watch out for as we make our way through the preseason.

Especially considering the ball club will be without the likes of key rotation players in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest), Luguentz Dort (rest), and Jaylin Williams (hamstring) during the upcoming bout against San Antonio, the OKC Thunder could realistically look to get a bit shifty and creative with their rotation decisions, especially during the latter half of the contest.

Yes, this could include seeing Dillon Jones manning the center spot.