Thunder lose Holmgren as Daigneault scrambles to adjust
The Thunder lose Chet Holmgren, too, sidelined for at least 8-10 weeks. Daigneault has just two players from his opening-night starting lineup available
Just a few weeks ago, OKC was preparing for a new season with big ambitions. Now Mark Daigneault faces an increasingly depleted roster and another major absence: Chet Holmgren will miss at least 8-10 weeks with a small tear in the patellar tendon in his right knee.
The Thunder big man had already missed the previous two games with an issue initially described as patellar tendinitis. After consulting several specialists, he decided to undergo a targeted treatment aimed at fully recovering from the injury.
The Thunder’s injury list keeps growing
Holmgren’s injury is only the latest addition to an increasingly lengthy list.
Jalen Williams remains sidelined following surgery for a fractured left fibula and dislocated ankle, while Cason Wallace underwent surgery Friday for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He will be reevaluated before the end of the season.
Also out is Alex Caruso, who has a right ankle sprain and isn’t expected back before mid-November.
The most telling detail, however, concerns Oklahoma City’s opening-night starting lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Hartenstein are the only two players still available.
The situation forces Daigneault to rethink his rotations and redistribute responsibilities, creating opportunities for players whose roles looked different not long ago.
The Thunder coach, though, wants to turn this injury crisis into an opportunity for growth.
We have a lot of new players on the floor and others taking on different roles. We have to invest in them. We’ll improve as we gain experience. It helps expand their games, and it helps us
Mark Daigneault
Oklahoma City has built much of its strength on roster depth and the ability to get contributions from many different players. Now, though, that depth will be tested like never before.