Cason Wallace seems like the likely choice to start alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander next season. He’s earned that. After the Lu Dort trade, it seemed like an obvious choice, and it’s something he’s probably been wanting for a while. But that sets the Thunder up for another problem: What happens when the same situation occurs with Ajay Mitchell?
Based on the way the post-Game 7 loss press conference went, it seemed clear that Wallace wanted a bigger role in OKC. And now, he’s primed to be a full-time starter, playing even more minutes than before. But Mitchell is also on the rise. And it seems inevitable that he will feel entitled to some increased opportunities.
The Wallace situation seems to be in a good spot right now, but the Thunder could be heading straight into a very similar problem with Mitchell.
Thunder could run into same Cason Wallace problem with Ajay Mitchell
Most of OKC’s problems are great problems to have. The Thunder are so deep, so talented, and so successful that they have to worry about players wanting more opportunities to show off their skills.
When Wallace went to the podium and spoke about wanting to improve, it cast some doubt on his commitment to OKC long-term. But in reality, it seems like he probably just wanted more chances to play a big-time role.
This summer, the Thunder shipped out Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins so they could duck the second apron. Those moves will undoubtedly clear the way for Wallace to play more, and he’ll probably start next to SGA, too.
But the Thunder have more depth at the guard position than they do anywhere else on the roster. As a result, some guys may feel like they deserve an upgraded role vs. what they already have.
Nobody embodies that more than Mitchell. After enjoying a breakout campaign last year, he’s probably going to want to do more next season on the Thunder. Maybe even start.
But if the Thunder plan on solving the Wallace debacle by handing him the starting role next to SGA, what happens when Mitchell starts wanting more opportunities? What happens when he wants to start?
There’s a very real possibility that, in a year from now, we could be having the same conversation we just had about Wallace, but with Mitchell.
Both guys wanting upgraded roles. Both guys wanting to start. But unfortunately, the Thunder will have to make some tough decisions, because only one of them can long-term.
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