Will OKC try an extensive lineup in 2024?

As the NBA has evolved, so has the team's approach to team-building and formulating a roster with solid roster versatility. Contrary to what most believe, having impressive depth isn't the only thing that separates an average roster from an elite one.

The Oklahoma City Thunder stumbled upon a devastating lineup concept last season. They often deployed a small lineup of players, which they nearly had to do by default because of the lack of size in the frontcourt. But suddenly, with the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder have options. They can stick to last season's principles or try something new.

The potential big-boy lineup

Hartenstein joining the blue and orange gives the Thunder a pair of shot-blocking big men and an interior presence that few teams can match. In a recent article by ThunderWire's Clemente Almanza, the writer proposed a possible lineup that Oklahoma City can use to limit opponents with elite size and length.

The potential five: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G Luguentz Dort, F Jalen Wilson, F Isaiah Hartenstein, C Chet Holmgren.

"If the Thunder need to beef up their lineup, this is the way to go," writes Almanza. " The shortest player is Dort at 6-foot-3, but his Hulk-esque physique more than makes up for that. He won't be pushed around at all. Gilgeous-Alexander's size helps him dominate his one-on-one matchups. Williams' positive wingspan makes him a threat. And finally, the double-big lineup of Hartenstein and Holmgren is what fans want to see. It'll be a true double-big lineup with serious size and paint defense. Holmgren is open to playing either the PF or C spot, and Hartenstein can let him get more on-ball reps at the perimeter, which could speedrun his development to one of the best all-around centers in the league."

Why this lineup can dominate

With some of the association's best teams — Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves — featuring impressive length at the wing and prominent man positions, the Thunder can potentially go further because they have a 6-foot-6 point guard at the helm. With this proposed lineup, the 6-foot-5 Lu Dort is the most minor player, but he makes up for it with his physicality and proven track record of stopping the league's most stoutly built wings.

The highlight of this lineup is running a pair of 7-footers in the frontcourt. Oklahoma City can evolve into the NBA's toughest-to-score-against team with the caliber of rim protection these five starters offer. Both big men were in the top 10 in opp. field goal percentage allowed at the rim last season, and Holmgren was among two players (V. Wembanyama) to record at least 190 blocked shots last season.

We watched the Timberwolves try defending Nikola Jokic with big men Rudy Gobert and Naz Ried, which helped solve some of what makes it difficult to stop the Denver superstar. At the end of the game, Oklahoma City's two-star centers on the court would be perfect against a team like the Nuggets or even the Boston Celtics with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis.

Offensively, Chet's perimeter game, in conjunction with Isaiah's screen-setting and interior scoring, is a potentially devastating blend. Their skill sets are isolated from one another, but they can open up playmaking opportunities for Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

The Thunder are predicated on defense-to-offense transition opportunities, which is why their small-ball lineup worked wonders a season ago. They should — and will — stick to that game plan in 2024. But having an extensive lineup in their back pocket is another element of their budding championship blueprint.

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