The Oklahoma City Thunder announced Friday that center Chet Holmgren will miss 8-10 weeks after treatment for a small patellar tendon tear in his right knee. The injury compounds an already difficult start: guard Jalen Williams is out for the season with a leg injury, and guard Cason Wallace will miss most of the year after shoulder labrum surgery. Oklahoma City, which began the season as co-favorites in the Western Conference alongside San Antonio with a projected win total above 60, now sits 4-1 after a lopsided loss to Dallas without Holmgren.
The Thunder's depth was reduced this summer when Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe departed due to salary-cap constraints. With three of their top six players sidelined, coach Mark Daigneault must reshuffle lineups across the board. The most immediate opportunity falls to 7-foot-3 rookie center Aday Mara, who impressed in his debut against Victor Wembanyama and recorded his first double-double — 11 points and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes — against Phoenix. In 21 minutes versus the Mavericks, Mara was less effective, highlighting the typical rookie learning curve.
Offensively, Mara is a play-finisher at the rim: 80% of his field-goal attempts have come within four feet, and 75% have been zero-dribble finishes. Defensively, he has seven blocks in five games but has committed nine fouls in his two games with 20-plus minutes. The Thunder hope he can become a reliable rim protector without fouling over the next two months.
General manager Sam Presti may evaluate trade options after December 15, when summer signings become eligible, but Holmgren's expected January return could allow Oklahoma City to wait until closer to the deadline. The team's focus remains on adding wing and backcourt help.
Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, averaging 26.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 45.9/26.5/87.5 shooting, could enter the MVP conversation if he carries the depleted roster to a top-four seed. No player has won three consecutive MVPs since Larry Bird in the 1980s, but the unique circumstances may give Gilgeous-Alexander a path to history.
