In last nights preseason encounter between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs, we were treated to a glimpse of what the future might hold for the Thunder. With no Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Lu Dort, the Thunder managed to get the win over the Wemby-less San Antonio Spurs. Here's a deeper dive into how the game unfolded and what it tells us about the Thunder's prospects.

With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sidelined, Jalen Williams seized the opportunity to lead, showcasing his ability to control the game's pace. His performance was marked by assertive plays, particularly highlighted by his and-1 towards the end of the half. This moment not only underscored his scoring ability but also his development as a leader on the court.

The preseason is a testing ground for new strategies and rotations. One rotation that caught my eye featured Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. This combination displayed formidable defensive synergy, suggesting a blueprint for a lockdown unit. I imagine adding Lu Dort to this mix would only enhance their defensive capabilities, potentially making them one of the toughest units to score against in the NBA.

Dillon Jones and Ajay Mitchell, both rookies, did not shy away from the spotlight. Jones, with his relentless energy on the boards, played with the vigor of someone with something to prove, while Mitchell's efficient scoring—19 points on 8/13 shooting—hinted at his potential to contribute offensively.

Overall they both displayed how well the Thunder drafted this year, adding this versatility to their roster.

Chet Holmgren's and Isaiah Hartenstein's partnership on the court was a revelation. Their compatibility was evident not just in their defensive efforts but also in their offensive plays. A standout moment was Hartenstein's rebound leading to a swift transition where he set up Holmgren with a GORTAT screen for an emphatic dunk, demonstrating how well they could work in tandem.

However, not all performances were glowing. Ousmane Dieng, despite his coming off of his G League MVP season, displayed a performance that left much to be desired during the game. His difficulty in asserting himself offensively was apparent, raising significant questions about his NBA readiness. Despite his defensive physicality, his hesitancy on offense, where he often looked out of place and even left open at times, casts doubt on his current role with the Thunder.

Preseason games often highlight where players need to improve or adapt. If Dieng can enhance his offensive game and find a way to consistently contribute, he might carve out a role for himself. Otherwise, his future with the team might be in question as competition for spots intensifies.

This game felt more than just a preseason warm-up, feeling more like a showcase of depth, potential, and flexibility. The Thunder demonstrated that they have multiple weapons at their disposal, capable of stepping up in the absence of Shai.

As the season progresses, how these elements come together will be crucial. If this game is anything to go by, the Thunder are crafting a team that's not only resilient but also versatile, setting the stage for what could be a season to remember. The way in which the team compliment each other, can really lead to OKC being a big problem for the rest of the league.