Would Moving Josh Giddey to the Bench Make Sense For the OKC Thunder?

Josh Giddey’s season has had a tumultuous start, but there could be a simple fix.

A change to the starting lineup could work out for Giddey and the Oklahoma City Thunder. While sending the former sixth overall pick to the bench is not ideal for the Thunder, it may be the way for both sides to progress, even if only for a short time.

While Giddey’s inefficient scoring has been a concern, his insistence on forcing the issue is a big-picture issue. A playmaker at his core, the third-year guard has struggled to rack up assists.

After averaging 11.6 potential assists last season, the Australian is down to just 8.4 per game this season. His six-assist performance with no turnovers in Houston on Wednesday is a step in the right direction, but playing with the second unit could help him on that front.

While Giddey is playing with talented scorers in the starting lineup who can all create their shots, he would have a heightened responsibility to get his teammates involved off the bench. Giving him that role could help him get back to the level he played at in international play in the offseason.

Of course, if the Thunder sends a guard to the bench, a new player has to come into the starting five. That leaves two likely options: Cason Wallace and Isaiah Joe.

Both guards are worthy candidates with their early-season performances. To address the spacing concerns Giddey carries, Joe could be the best option.

In his second season with the Thunder, Joe has been an electric performer off the bench. Averaging 10.3 points in 20.5 minutes, he could be a helpful addition to the backcourt next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Arkansas product’s main threat is his outside shot, as he is making 45.3% of his shots from beyond the arc this season. Considering he has often been the first off the bench to replace Giddey, he could be a seamless addition to the starting lineup.

However, Wallace is the only player outside the traditional starting five to get a start this season. He has replaced Jalen Williams in three games and Gilgeous-Alexander in one.

He has averaged five points in those four games and shot 9-of-17 from the field. The rookie guard’s calling card is defense, which could create a daunting pair with Lu Dort for opponents to face.

Like Joe, Wallace has had a great season shooting from 3-point range. Shooting 52.4% from outside on more than two attempts per game makes him a threat from the outside and could open driving lanes.

It seems unlikely that Mark Daigneault would alter the starting lineup as the team sits at 13-7, but if losses start to pile up or Giddey continues to be pulled early, a change may be inevitable.