End of OKC Thunder Bench Could Provide Value in Playoffs

The Thunder’s non-rotational players are still capable of making a postseason impact.

Mar 10, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Mike Muscala (50) runs down / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

The playoffs are dominated by the superstars, but it can take a full 15 players to win a title.

Luckily for the Oklahoma City Thunder, GM Sam Presti has carefully built a 15-man roster filled with potential contributors. Outside of the starting lineup used every game when healthy, the Thunder have consistently gotten big performances from their top bench players.

From Isaiah Joe’s 3-point shooting to Cason Wallace’s defense, Oklahoma City has plenty of players off the bench who can adapt to various situations. Even beyond the team’s typical bench rotation, the team has players who can play well when given an opportunity.

The Thunder have four players who fall in that category, with all having the potential to make an impact in the playoffs. The likeliest contributors would be the Thunder’s two veteran big men.

Both signed in February, Mike Muscala and Bismack Biyombo can give the Thunder a bigger look inside. Neither has played much since coming to Oklahoma City, but it was clear both players were signed for the playoffs.

They could be instrumental in a matchup against big centers such as Nikola Jokic or Domantas Sabonis. Although Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams have mostly been able to hold their own, having other options with playoff experience could swing a series.

Meanwhile, Lindy Waters III gives Oklahoma City another option on the wing. Converted from a two-way contract earlier this season, Waters has given the team small stints as a shooter and can be trusted when injuries arise.

In the Thunder’s loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Waters tied a season-high with 12 points. Shooting 39.7% from beyond the arc this season, the Oklahoma State product has been an option for coach Mark Daigneault at the end of quarters and could continue to come in during those situations in the playoffs.

Lastly, second-year forward Ousmane Dieng can give Oklahoma City more height at 6-foot-10. Although he is probably the least likely to make a postseason appearance, Dieng’s time in the G League has helped him grow over the past few months.

Making only 31 appearances for the Thunder, Dieng has played 33 games for the Blue, averaging 17.2 points and 7.6 rebounds. 

The Thunder will likely  rely on their top 11 players throughout a playoff run, but having options through the 15th man will only help them.

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