If you’ve been watching the NBA lately, you know the vibes in Bricktown are different. We aren't just talking about a young team "with potential" anymore. We’re talking about a group that basically suffocates opponents with a mix of length, IQ, and a guy who might just be the most efficient scorer since peak Steph Curry. But here’s the thing: trying to pin down a definitive Oklahoma City Thunder starting five is actually a lot harder than it looks on paper.
Sure, on a "normal" night, you know the names. You have Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the MVP-caliber engine. You’ve got Chet Holmgren, who is currently rewriting the rules on how a 7-footer should move. Then there's Jalen Williams (J-Dub), Luguentz Dort, and—when he’s not dealing with a pesky soleus strain—Isaiah Hartenstein.
But head coach Mark Daigneault? He’s a mad scientist. He doesn't care about "tradition." He cares about math, matchups, and "data points."
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Five is Never Truly Set
Honestly, if you check the box score from Tuesday’s win against the Spurs or the recent battle with Miami, you'll see a lot of shuffling. Lu Dort gets a late scratch for foot soreness? Boom, Cason Wallace is in the mix. Shai needs a breather? Suddenly Ajay Mitchell—the rookie who’s been a massive surprise—is logging heavy minutes alongside the starters.
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The core of the Oklahoma City Thunder starting five usually revolves around Shai, Chet, and J-Dub. They are the "untouchables." But the fourth and fifth spots? Those are fluid. Daigneault has used a half-dozen different combinations this month alone.
The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Factor
Shai isn't just "good" this year. He’s historic. He’s currently shooting over 44% from three-point range. To put that into perspective, he used to be a guy defenders would dare to shoot so they didn't have to deal with his elite rim pressure. Now? If you drop, he buries a step-back. If you play up, he’s at the line. He’s averaging over 31 points per game on a true shooting percentage that hovers around 68%. That is basically unheard of for a guard.
The Chet and IHart "Twin Towers" Experiment
One of the biggest storylines for the 2025-26 season was the addition of Isaiah Hartenstein. People wondered: Can you really play two bigs in a system built on five-out spacing? When they’re healthy, the answer is a resounding yes. Hartenstein brings a level of "dirty work" that the Thunder lacked last year. He bangs in the post, sets bone-crushing screens, and frees up Chet to be a roamer on defense. However, Hartenstein has been sidelined recently with a right soleus strain. Without him, Chet has moved back to the primary center spot, where he’s been racking up double-doubles and swatting three shots a game like it’s a light workout.
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The Players Who Make It Work
Let’s look at the actual personnel because the "supporting cast" isn't really supporting anymore. They're stars in their roles.
- Jalen Williams (J-Dub): He’s the secondary creator this team desperately needed. While his three-point volume has dipped slightly this season, his efficiency inside the arc is wild. He’s averaging nearly 18 points and over 5 assists. He’s basically the glue.
- Luguentz Dort: The "Dorture Chamber" is still very much open for business. He’s the guy you put on the other team's best player for 30 minutes. Even if he goes 1-of-6 from deep, his value in the Oklahoma City Thunder starting five is tied to his ability to make LeBron, Luka, or SGA-clones miserable.
- Alex Caruso: This was the "rich get richer" move of the offseason. Caruso hasn't been starting every game—partly to keep him fresh for a deep playoff run—but he’s the ultimate "closer." Whether he’s in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, his defensive IQ is 99th percentile stuff.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Lineup
A lot of national media folks look at the Thunder and see "youth." They assume mistakes are coming. But if you look at the turnover rates, this is one of the most disciplined teams in the league. SGA is in the 99th percentile for turnover ratio. They don't beat themselves.
Another misconception? That they’re "too small."
With Hartenstein and a more physically developed Chet, that narrative is dying. They can play big with the IHart/Chet combo, or they can go "small" with J-Dub at the four and just outrun you.
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Recent Lineup Shifts (January 2026)
Just in the last week, we’ve seen:
- SGA - Wallace - Wiggins - J-Dub - Chet (Against the Spurs)
- SGA - Dort - J-Dub - Chet - Hartenstein (The "Ideal" Five)
- SGA - Mitchell - Wallace - Chet - Hartenstein (A heavy guard-look)
Aaron Wiggins has been the unsung hero here. Every time he starts, he seems to shoot 60% from the field and make a winning play. There’s a reason fans joke that "Aaron Wiggins saved basketball."
What’s Next for the Thunder Rotation?
As we move toward the February trade deadline, the focus isn't on adding a star. It's on health. The Oklahoma City Thunder starting five is already championship-caliber. The real question is whether they consolidate some of their bench depth—guys like Isaiah Joe or Ousmane Dieng—to get another specialized piece or just keep the chemistry as is.
If you’re tracking this team for your parlay or just because you love high-level hoops, watch the "fifth man." Whether it's Cason Wallace's point-of-attack defense or Hartenstein's high-post passing, that fifth spot is where the Thunder win the tactical war every night.
To get the most out of following this rotation, pay attention to the "On/Off" numbers rather than just the PPG. When Chet and Hartenstein share the floor, the defensive rating is historically good. If you're looking for a breakout, keep an eye on Cason Wallace; his shooting stroke is becoming too good to keep out of the closing lineup.