OKC Thunder: Ranking the Thunder’s projected starting lineup

OKC Thunder starters 3-5: The Future is Now

No. 3-ranked starter for Oklahoma City: Luguentz Dort

The Oklahoma City Thunder saw its young, cheap talent break out in a big way down the stretch of last season.

No one made a bigger splash when it mattered most than Luguentz Dort.

The undrafted rookie only played 36 games last season, but he started 28 of them.

In the playoffs, he served as the team’s sparkplug and the go-to defender on James Harden in the team’s series against the Houston Rockets.

It could be a flash in the pan, but Dort showed the potential he has that could perfectly complement his backcourt partner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Of all the Thunder’s young players, 20-year-old Dort serves as the most versatile option.

No. 4-ranked starter for Oklahoma City: Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza lands both in the starting lineup and as the fourth-ranked projected starter based solely on experience.

Ariza, 35, brings tenure and stability to what is otherwise a fluid time in the Thunder locker room.

Though he’s mostly fallen out of the starting lineups for contending teams, he should serve as a valuable role player and teacher for the young wings on the team.

Ariza’s trustworthy presence will only be surpassed in this ranking if the No. 5-ranked starter improves faster than anticipated.

No. 5-ranked starter for Oklahoma City: Darius Bazley

The Thunder’s starting lineup could be at its most exciting when Darius Bazley is having a good night.

Bazley, 20, came to life in the NBA bubble, scoring 20 or more points in three straight games ahead of the team’s unlikely run into playoffs.

In the series against the Rockets, he averaged 18.0 minutes played, scoring 6.6 points and grabbing 6.7 rebounds per game.

Bazley established himself in the series as a go-to 3-point shooter, knocking down 11 of 22 shots from long range.

Thunder fans shouldn’t be surprised if Bazley lands the starting power forward role and leads the team in scoring some nights.