Typically, Mark Daigneault keeps his starting five under wraps until the NBA-mandated reporting deadline. In the preseason, however, the substitute bench boss relaxed a little and threw out the top five in his media availability. A two-year tradition for the Thunder head coach continued Monday in San Antonio.

However, while five names were muttered, the cards remained close to Daigneault’s vest. Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lu Dort due to rest, and without Kenrich Williams and Jaylin Williams getting injured in the preseason, it was a foregone conclusion that we wouldn’t see the Thunder’s season-opening group in their preseason opener under these conditions.

The Thunder have announced that Jalen Williams will set the table for Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, Ousmane Dieng and Chet Holmgren in their preseason debut against the Spurs when the ball is in their hands.

This starting lineup went viral in Thunder Land, but it makes sense. Instead of bringing in Caruso or Hartenstein — which would lead to numerous debates and early victory laps — give a nod to the returnees while maintaining the mystique surrounding the opening night lineup.

One thing is certain: the days of Daigneault announcing his starting five through his media availability are numbered. The pacer on the sidelines made it clear that this is purely a preseason trend.

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