Three Players to Watch in Oklahoma City’s Preseason Opener

The Thunder open up preseason action on Monday night, and all eyes will be on these three players heading into the contest.

Oklahoma City opens up preseason basketball on Monday with a matchup against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. San Antonio’s No. 1 overall pick has an unbelievable amount of hype behind him heading into his rookie season, and even though it’s just an exhibition game, the Thunder will get the first look at the generational draft pick.

For the Thunder, this is the most preseason momentum the team has had in over three years. Oklahoma City is no longer tanking and the team has one of the best young cores in the entire NBA. There’s plenty of anticipation from the fan base to return to the playoffs, and this could be the year.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Vasilije Micic are both listed as out for Monday night, leaving room for Oklahoma City’s backup guards to shine. It’s a crowded roster and any momentum heading into the season will be positive for the Thunder’s prospects.

Here are three players to watch for during Monday night’s game:

Chet Holmgren

Of course, all eyes will be on Oklahoma City’s second-year rookie heading into the 2023-24 season. To heighten the anticipation, he’s matched up with Wembanyama in his first preseason game, which is a matchup the NBA community has been begging for.

Holmgren looked fantastic during Oklahoma City’s summer league session. He was an elite shot blocker and provided the Thunder with a true rim protector.

The two things I’ll be looking for on Monday are Holmgren’s 3-point shot and his awareness with the ball in his hands. He turned the ball over too many times during Summer League but has had the entire summer to improve his conditioning and get his feel back for the game.

Tre Mann

Mann improved his stock more than anyone on Oklahoma City’s roster this summer. He was lights out during Summer League and secured a spot on the opening night roster.

During media day, Mann mentioned his dedication to improving catch-and-shoot triples — and that’s exactly what the Thunder need him to do moving forward. His potential is still sky-high, it’s just all about consistency and trusting the process. The addition of Vasilije Micic relieves Mann of the ball-handling duties in the second unit and allows him to play freely within the offense.

It will be interesting to see if the hot summer league translates immediately.

Cason Wallace

Wallace is Oklahoma City’s newest lottery pick, and Gilgeous-Alexander and Micic’s absence will mean early playing time in the first exhibition game.

He had an up-and-down Summer League session, but will be playing with the most talented roster he’s had in his entire life. The defense won’t be zeroed in on him this time around. Wallace’s 3-point shooting and point-of-attack defense can help the Thunder this year, and Monday night is his first chance to showcase both attributes.

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