Thunder’s Reported Preseason Gamble Is Exactly Right

The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly plan to rely heavily on their second unit for Tuesday’s preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans in Tulsa. That could produce a starting lineup featuring Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams and rookie Aday Mara, according to Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. For Mark Daigneault, that would be the smartest possible approach.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren have nothing meaningful to prove in an exhibition game. Oklahoma City already understands how its stars fit together and what each provides when the stakes rise. Giving them extended minutes would only remove opportunities from players competing to establish larger roles. Protecting their bodies while evaluating the next layer of the rotation should be the priority.

“Even though that’s technically OKC’s backup team, it’s still a worthy price of admission,” Almanza said. “Especially considering how laissez-faire a preseason environment can be.”

He is correct because Oklahoma City’s backups are more interesting than many teams’ starting lineups during the preseason. Mitchell was developing into a dependable scorer and creator before injuries disrupted his progress. McCain needs opportunities to prove his shooting can translate into consistent production within the Thunder’s offense. Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams already understand how to complement stars, but they could receive more freedom to create against New Orleans.

Mara might be the most important player to watch. Oklahoma City selected the 7-foot-3 center in the first round because his size and skill could eventually provide something the roster lacked against the San Antonio Spurs. Nobody should expect him to dominate immediately. However, starting him would allow Daigneault to evaluate how he communicates, handles physicality and responds when mistakes arrive quickly.

This lineup would also create legitimate responsibility. Mitchell and McCain could not simply wait for Gilgeous-Alexander to rescue a possession. Mara would not have Holmgren covering every defensive error. The younger players would have to organize the offense, survive difficult stretches and determine who receives the ball when the game tightens.

That information is far more valuable than another comfortable preseason victory led by Oklahoma City’s established stars. Daigneault should use every exhibition game to answer questions that cannot be solved during ordinary practices.

Calling on the B squad is not treating the Tulsa crowd unfairly. It is giving fans an early look at the players who could determine how deep the Thunder remain. For a championship contender, discovering the next dependable contributor matters much more than showcasing players everyone already knows.