**Oklahoma City Thunder Expected Lineup & Reserves**
The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2024-25 season with one of the most exciting young cores in the NBA. After a surprisingly strong campaign last year, the Thunder have further bolstered their roster with key additions, setting themselves up as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. With a mix of rising stars, savvy veterans, and high-upside prospects, Oklahoma City’s rotation is deep, versatile, and built for both immediate success and long-term growth.
### **Projected Starters**
**PG – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**
The undisputed leader of the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) is coming off another All-NBA season where he solidified himself as one of the league’s premier scorers and closers. His elite mid-range game, crafty finishing, and improved playmaking make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. With his ability to take over games in the fourth quarter, SGA remains the focal point of Oklahoma City’s offense. Defensively, his length and instincts allow him to be disruptive in passing lanes, making him a true two-way superstar.
**SG – Luguentz Dort**
Dort remains the Thunder’s defensive anchor on the perimeter, tasked with guarding the opponent’s best scorer night in and night out. While his offensive game has been inconsistent, he has shown improvement as a catch-and-shoot threat and slasher. His physicality and relentless energy set the tone for the team’s defensive identity. If he can maintain a respectable three-point percentage (around 36-38%), his value as a 3-and-D wing will be immense.
**SF – Jalen Williams**
After a stellar sophomore season, Jalen Williams has emerged as one of the most promising young wings in the league. His combination of size, ball-handling, and scoring versatility makes him a perfect fit alongside SGA. Williams excels in transition, can create his own shot in the half-court, and has shown flashes of high-level playmaking. Defensively, his length and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a crucial two-way piece for the Thunder.
**PF – Chet Holmgren**
After missing his rookie year due to injury, Chet Holmgren made a strong debut in 2023-24, showcasing his unique skill set as a 7-foot stretch big who can protect the rim, shoot from deep, and handle the ball in transition. His defensive impact is already elite—his shot-blocking and ability to switch onto smaller players make him a game-changer on that end. Offensively, his three-point shooting and passing add a new dimension to the Thunder’s offense. If he stays healthy, he has All-Star potential.
**C – Isaiah Hartenstein**
One of the Thunder’s key offseason additions, Hartenstein brings much-needed size, rebounding, and interior defense to the starting lineup. His high-IQ passing and ability to finish around the rim make him a perfect fit in Oklahoma City’s motion-based offense. Defensively, he’s an excellent rim protector and screen-setter, providing the Thunder with a reliable presence in the paint. His veteran experience will be invaluable for this young squad.
### **Key Reserves**
**Nikola Topic**
The Thunder’s first-round pick in the 2024 draft, Topic is a crafty playmaker with excellent size for a guard. While he may not see heavy minutes immediately, his ability to run the offense and create for others could earn him a role as the backup point guard. His development will be key for Oklahoma City’s long-term backcourt plans.
**Cason Wallace**
Wallace had a solid rookie season, proving himself as a reliable two-way guard. His defensive tenacity and improving three-point shot make him a valuable rotation piece. He’ll likely see minutes at both guard spots, providing energy and hustle off the bench.
**Alex Caruso**
Acquired via trade, Caruso is the ultimate “winning role player.” His elite perimeter defense, basketball IQ, and timely shooting make him a perfect fit for a playoff team. He’ll likely be the first guard off the bench, providing stability and veteran leadership.
**Aaron Wiggins**
A versatile wing, Wiggins has proven to be a reliable rotation player with his efficient scoring and solid defense. He doesn’t need the ball to be effective, making him an ideal bench piece who can play alongside any lineup.
**Isaiah Joe**
One of the best shooters on the team, Joe provides instant offense off the bench. His quick release and deep range make him a constant threat from beyond the arc. If the Thunder need a spark, Joe is always ready to deliver.
**Kenrich Williams**
“Kenny Hustle” is the ultimate glue guy—doing all the little things that help teams win. His defense, rebounding, and energy make him a favorite of the coaching staff, and he’ll see minutes at both forward spots.
**Ajay Mitchell**
A rookie with upside, Mitchell is a scoring guard who could develop into a microwave scorer off the bench. He may spend time in the G League, but his offensive talent could earn him spot minutes.
**Jaylin Williams**
A stretch big with a high motor, Williams provides depth in the frontcourt. His ability to space the floor and compete on the glass makes him a useful situational player.
**Ousmane Dieng**
Still raw but loaded with potential, Dieng is a long, athletic wing who can handle the ball and defend multiple positions. The Thunder will continue developing him, hoping he can become a rotation staple.
**Dillon Jones**
A physical forward with playmaking ability, Jones adds toughness and versatility to the bench. His rebounding and passing could earn him minutes in certain matchups.
**Branden Carlson**
A two-way contract player, Carlson provides depth at center. Unless injuries strike, he’ll likely spend most of his time in the G League.
### **Final Thoughts**
The Thunder have built one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the league. Their starting five is loaded with two-way talent, and their bench features a mix of reliable veterans and high-upside young players. With SGA leading the way and Holmgren poised for a breakout year, Oklahoma City is no longer just a team of the future—they’re ready to compete now. If their young core continues to develop and their role players perform as expected, the Thunder could be a serious threat in the Western Conference playoffs.
