How Jack White Could Secure a Roster Spot With Front Court Injuries

The Thunder's starting lineup looked superb in extended run against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night. Chet Holmgren's addition to the starting five has covered up a massive hole at the center position over the last few seasons, and Oklahoma City should feel confident at the five-spot moving forward.

When Holmgren exits the game, though, the Thunder could be in trouble. At least for the first few weeks of the season.

Mark Daigneault talked to the media before Tuesday's game and mentioned that both Jaylin Williams and Kenrich Williams will miss time to begin the season

J-Will has a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for at least a couple of weeks, while Kenrich Williams' back injury will be "tricky to put a timeline on" according to Daigneault.

It's been an ongoing consensus for Thunder fans to assume Jack White was the last domino to fall in the roster trim, but after the recent injuries and a strong preseason showing, White is making a case for himself. It's long seemed like the last roster spot would come down to White and Tre Mann, and now that Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Victor Oladipo are gone, it truly feels like a two-man race.

Mann struggled in his nine minutes of action against the Bucks, scoring three points on just 1-of-5 shooting. White, on the other hand, played his role to perfection, adding five points on 2-of-4 with two rebounds. He displayed great body control catching lobs and served as a solid play finisher in the fourth quarter.

While Mann has a much higher ceiling and is likely the more talented player, he might be able to find a bigger opportunity elsewhere. The Thunder could regret losing out on his talent and playmaking down the road, but the stable of guards on the current roster is deep.

White's hustle on the floor, in addition to his rebounding attributes, mirror Kenrich Williams' game. He can provide backup front court minutes and help push the current group of centers in practice every day.

Both White and Mann would've been a shoe-in for the Thunder roster in years past, but this is the most talented Oklahoma City team we've seen in quite some time.

The final roster spots should be a fascinating storyline to follow leading up to opening night.