It's clear that the OKC Thunder have some tough decisions to make this offseason. With multiple team options, second apron roadblocks, and three draft picks, general manager Sam Presti will likely have his a busy summer.
But one of their biggest decisions, however, might have nothing to do with their impending transactions.
As of now, the Thunder's fifth starter spot is more muddled than it has been in years.
With all signs pointing to either Lu Dort's exit or diminished role, the two most likely names to fill out next year's starting lineup are Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace. Both young talents present their own significant advantages, but they are completely different players. Either way Daigneault will choose to go, the decision will certainly have a ripple effect that will be felt by the rest of the rotation.
Thunder have options with clear-cut answer
A starting lineup with Cason Wallace would arguably be one of the most pestilent in the league. The defensive mastermind has flashed potential in nearly every facet of the game. He registered multiple games with 20-plus points and double-digit assists, and he had at least four steals on 14 different occasions. He's the kind of defender players love to play with and hate to play against.
He has shown a ceiling that most players simply don't have. Most importantly, however, he has demonstrated an excellent ability to play off the ball, a necessary skill when playing alongside the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. His lights-out shooting against the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals only strengthened the team's belief in him.
If Wallace were to move to the starting rotation, though, it would create a significant depth issue on the perimeter, particularly on defense. Ajay Mitchell would hold his own, but fellow wing Jared McCain is not yet a prolific defender, and Alex Caruso, an aging veteran, averages less than 20 minutes per game in the regular season.
On the other hand, Ajay Mitchell is an up-and-coming star. Before his early postseason exit due to a calf strain, he carried the team in stretches when Gilgeous-Alexander was on the bench or simply didn't have his shot.
The Santa Barbara product was Daigneault's choice starter during the playoffs when Jalen Williams went down, and it took his own injury for Wallace to earn a spot start.
If the decision were solely based on production, Mitchell would be a lock to start. However, the inclusion might lead to a severe imbalance of ball handlers. It would mean the Thunder would start each game with him, SGA, and J-Dub all on the floor at the same time. After that, it would be up to Daigneault to piece the rest of the game together and make sure OKC had one of those three players on the floor at any given time.
After playing his first full season, it's clear that Mitchell excels when handling the ball. While he is still a respectable off-ball guard, his real strength comes when he is allowed to cross defenders up and cause mismatches for opposing defenses.
Jared McCain is another outside option, along with any potential starters general manager Sam Presti might pick up in the NBA draft.
Regardless, the future decision won't come without its drawbacks, and it'll be up to Mark Daigneault to piece the puzzle together from there.
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