3 Different Starting Lineups The Thunder Could Use For The 2024-25 NBA Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder are approaching the 2024-25 NBA season with a ton of confidence after being one game away from reaching the Western Conference Finals last year. MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren are back with newcomer Alex Caruso looking to make a difference following his acquisition in a trade that included Josh Giddey . The Thunder are loaded with talent and with growing experience, they can be a major problem in the Western Conference. Luckily for them, they have three different starting lineups they can utilize in the 2024-25 NBA season.

Starting Lineup No. 1: Defensive Dominance

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren

The "Defensive Dominance" lineup is built around the defensive prowess of each player, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) leading the charge as the primary offensive player with averages of 30.1 points and 6.2 assists per game last season. Alex Caruso's addition brings a defensive specialist to the backcourt, renowned for his ability to disrupt opposing guards and create turnovers.

His defensive rating of 113.2 during the 2023-24 season showcases his ability to guard multiple positions effectively. Luguentz Dort, another defensive stalwart, pairs with Caruso to form a formidable perimeter defense. Dort’s ability to guard the opponent’s best scorer while maintaining an average of 0.9 steals per game last season makes him invaluable.

Jalen Williams, playing as a versatile forward, complements the defensive scheme with his length and agility. His ability to switch onto multiple positions and contest shots in the paint enhances the lineup's overall defensive capability. Williams' development as a two-way player has been impressive, and his 0.6 blocks per game highlight his defensive contributions.

Anchoring the defense is Chet Holmgren, a shot-blocking presence who averaged 2.3 blocks per game in his rookie season. Holmgren's ability to alter shots and dominate the defensive glass solidifies this lineup as one of the toughest defensive units in the league.

This lineup emphasizes defensive pressure and transition opportunities. The Thunder can capitalize on forced turnovers, converting them into fast-break points. With Caruso and Dort hounding ball handlers and Holmgren protecting the rim, this lineup can stifle opposing offenses. The combination of defensive versatility, shot-blocking, and perimeter defense makes this lineup a nightmare for any team, providing the Thunder with a foundation to grind out wins through suffocating defense.

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Starting Lineup No. 2: Shooting At A Premium

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren

In the "Shooting At A Premium" lineup, the focus shifts to spacing the floor and maximizing shooting efficiency. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be the focal point, leveraging his scoring and playmaking abilities. Cason Wallace, known for his sharpshooting, joins the backcourt, bringing a reliable three-point threat with an average of 41.9% from beyond the arc in 2023-24. Wallace’s ability to stretch the floor provides SGA with more room to operate and drive to the basket.

Luguentz Dort remains a key figure, offering a blend of shooting and defense. Dort's improved three-point shooting, hitting 39.4% last season, ensures that defenses cannot leave him open. Jalen Williams, who showed significant growth in his perimeter shooting, adds another layer of offensive versatility. His ability to knock down open shots and create off the dribble makes him a vital cog in this lineup. Williams’ shooting percentage of 42.7% from three-point range exemplifies his importance in spreading the floor.

Chet Holmgren, despite his size, fits well into this shooting-oriented lineup. His ability to step out and hit the three-pointer (shooting 37.0% in his rookie season) forces opposing bigs to guard him on the perimeter, opening up driving lanes for his teammates. This lineup emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and efficient scoring. By surrounding SGA with capable shooters, the Thunder can effectively stretch defenses, creating opportunities for both perimeter shots and driving lanes. This shooting-focused lineup aims to outscore opponents by capitalizing on three-point opportunities and maintaining a high offensive tempo.

Starting Lineup No. 3: Going Very Big

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein

This last lineup focuses on leveraging size and interior dominance. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the floor general, orchestrating the offense. Luguentz Dort, with his defensive tenacity and strength, partners in the backcourt, capable of guarding multiple positions and contributing offensively. Jalen Williams, playing as a versatile forward, bridges the gap between the backcourt and frontcourt, offering a mix of size, skill, and defensive prowess.

Chet Holmgren and major free agent signing Isaiah Hartenstein form a formidable frontcourt duo. Holmgren, with his unique combination of shot-blocking and perimeter shooting, can dominate both ends of the floor. His presence in the paint deters drives, while his ability to stretch the floor creates mismatches. Hartenstein, a skilled big man known for his rebounding and shot-blocking, complements Holmgren. Hartenstein's 1.1 blocks per game and 8.3 rebounds per game last season with the New York Knicks underscore his impact in the paint.

This lineup’s size and defensive presence can overwhelm opponents, controlling the boards and protecting the rim. Offensively, the combination of Holmgren and Hartenstein provides multiple options for high-low plays, pick-and-rolls, and second-chance points. The Thunder can exploit mismatches, dominate the paint, and control the pace of the game. This "Going Very Big" lineup aims to physically impose its will on opponents, using size and strength to secure victories through interior dominance and defensive solidity.

Which Lineup Should The Thunder Use?

Ranking the three potential lineups for the Thunder in the 2024-25 season, the "Defensive Dominance" lineup emerges as the best choice. This lineup excels due to its balance of elite defensive capabilities and sufficient offensive power. Caruso and Dort form a formidable perimeter defense, while Holmgren provides shot-blocking and rim protection. Williams adds versatility with his ability to guard multiple positions, making the Thunder a nightmare for opponents on the defensive end.

Offensively, SGA's scoring and playmaking, combined with Williams' and Holmgren's abilities to stretch the floor, ensure that this lineup can effectively counter any defensive strategy. The ability to control the tempo, create turnovers, and dominate transition opportunities makes this lineup the most reliable for sustained success.

The second-best option is the "Shooting At A Premium" lineup, which prioritizes spacing and offensive efficiency. This lineup, including SGA, Cason Wallace, Dort, Williams, and Holmgren, is designed to maximize three-point shooting and floor spacing. Wallace's sharpshooting, combined with improved shooting from Dort and Williams, ensures that defenses cannot collapse on SGA.

The "Going Very Big" lineup, while impactful, ranks third due to its situational effectiveness. This lineup, consisting of SGA, Dort, Williams, Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein, leverages size and interior dominance. The combination of Holmgren and Hartenstein in the frontcourt can overwhelm opponents with rebounding, shot-blocking, and interior scoring. However, this lineup may struggle against faster, more perimeter-oriented teams and should only be used against teams with elite centers such as the Denver Nuggets or Philadelphia 76ers.

Related: Oklahoma City Thunder Roster After Acquiring Alex Caruso And Signing Isaiah Hartenstein