The potential starting lineups for the Oklahoma City Thunder

With the Oklahoma City Thunder 's first game of the 2024/25 season approaching in just over a month, there are still some questions revolving around the team. One such major question is who will be the starting five?

While the team kept the majority of their 57-win roster from last season, the additions of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso bring a difficult decision for head coach Mark Daigneault and the rest of the Thunder staff. Here are three possible lineups the Thunder could utilize entering this season.

The three players that have solidified their roles in the starting lineup as key contributors are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander , Chet Holmgren , and Jalen Williams ; they will always be starting unless there is an injury. The question lies with veteran Lu Dort. Over his five-year career with the Thunder, he has averaged 13 points, four rebounds, a steal and nearly half of a block. His tenacious defense and great three-point shooting has made him a vital piece to OKC.

However, Alex Caruso has proven himself to be an elite player in the league. Averaging seven points with nearly two steals and a block per game on 38% three-point shooting, Caruso is as consistent as it gets. Not to mention making multiple all-defensive teams and receiving DPOY votes in back-to-back seasons, deciding between the two players is not easy.

Another major question is whether to start Hartenstein at the five or have him come off the bench to help lead the second unit.

Last season with Chet at the five, he finished second in total blocks, fifth is blocks per game, and was a pivotal part in leading the Thunder to the fourth-best defensive rated team in the NBA.

However, not only did Hartenstein place top-20 in rebounds per game, but putting the 'bigger' bodied Hartenstein at the five would open up more perimeter opportunities for Chet at the four, as well as diversify the Thunder offense and defense.

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