In the grand scheme of things, it might not mean much, especially since many members of head coach Mark Daigneault’s rotation didn’t make the trip to San Antonio, however, the Oklahoma City Thunder rolled out a rather interesting starting lineup on Saturday night.
In its first preseason game, against the Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and George Hill were joined by Hamidou Diallo, Mike Muscala and Isaiah Roby as the game’s starters.
Of the five, Roby’s inclusion probably came as the biggest surprise. After making only three appearances with the Thunder last season, Roby played a grand total of just 11 minutes. His starting on Saturday night could be an indication that, now fully healthy, he will enjoy better placement among the team’s depth chart.
Lu Dort, Darius Bazley, Al Horford, Justin Jackson, Ty Jerome, Josh Hall and Darius Miller were not with the team, and it stands to reason that at least a few of the absentees will fight for significant rotation minutes, as well.
But at least for one night, as the club seeks to give him an opportunity to develop, Roby was included in the starting unit.
Thunder starters tonight:
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
– George Hill
– Hamidou Diallo
– Isaiah Roby
– Mike Muscala— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) December 12, 2020
Although the 2020-21 season is expected to be a long one in Oklahoma City, head coach Daigneault’s rotations will be interesting to watch, including the extent to which Gilgeous-Alexander is included in potential three-guard lineups.
After making a name for himself during last season’s playoff matchup against the Houston Rockets, Dort will likely enjoy a bigger role, as well.
The Thunder’s second preseason game will take place on Dec. 16 when it plays host to former head coach Billy Donovan and his new team, the Chicago Bulls. That contest will tip-off at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Roby, we can assume, will be hoping to hold onto the minutes he inherited on Saturday night.