OKC Thunder mailbag: What might Mark Daigneault's rotation look like in the NBA Playoffs?

In this edition of the Thunder mailbag, we take a look at how OKC coach Mark Daigneault might set a playoff rotation.

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@DJMatthews50: How do you forecast rotation changing in playoffs?

It’s impossible to say in mid-March. Daigneault’s mind is too unpredictable, the variables too vast in his grasp.

Gordon Hayward is probably still weeks away from the version he or the organization envisioned. Josh Giddey, while having clearly leaned into the off-ball, screening, connective role in recent weeks, probably still isn’t the fully optimal version of himself that the Thunder can maximize in every series. Those are just their own variables.

There are ones they’ll be forced to react to. Matchups, playstyle. Things that would lead to Daigneault shuffling his deck, tossing out specialty lineups and trying things. I know people have questioned his rotations, but I wouldn’t expect that willingness to be flexible to change in the postseason. Daigneault would be the last coach to leave any stone unturned with adjustments on the table.

I don’t think it’ll be drastic; perhaps someone like Lindy Waters won’t see a burst of extensive minutes, or at least not anything more than an end-of-quarter set with shooters. But I can’t imagine the Thunder turning away from its interesting nature of rotations.

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I’d safely bet on a few things. I’d almost guarantee that Aaron Wiggins will be a firm fixture in the rotation. He’s too easy to plug into the system and into most lineups to limit in any series. I imagine the Chet Holmgren-Jaylin Williams tandem will see its share of life depending on the opponent.

There are realities in which I can see teams making it difficult for the Thunder to extensively play Giddey. While things have looked up, there are still clear physical limitations for him when hoping to mold to the player the Thunder wants him to be. And defensively, he’ll still be targeted in a postseason setting.

I don’t think that keeps Daigneault from starting him. He’s been firm in his vision and the way he’s wanted to see the regular season unfold. And for all the tradeoffs that might come with the idea of shifting Giddey in the lineup — a conversation Giddey has said hasn’t really been had with him — his shift would displace some players in necessary roles.

Isaiah Joe remains necessary for the lineups where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander herds the reserves. Aaron Wiggins is needed to fortify all sorts of lineups, though mostly the Jalen Williams-Chet Holmgren configurations. Gordon Hayward would be the most likely swap, though he’s still trying to find himself in the offense and will also be targeted on defense.

I wouldn’t rule out any drastic change from Daigneault. I think OKC would need to truly be pushed that way for him to consider shifting Giddey down the order, but he’s been fluid enough in his substitutions to entertain the idea.

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To make future editions of the mailbag, email questions to jlorenzi@oklahoman.com or message him on Twitter @jxlorenzi.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder rotation for the NBA Playoffs could be unpredictable