The worst-case scenario hit the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cason Wallace and Jalen Williams suffered long-term injuries against the Los Angeles Clippers that will likely keep them sidelined for the rest of the season. Additionally, Chet Holmgren will be out for 8-10 weeks with a patellar tendon tear.
These three devastating injuries will have immense implications for OKC’s outlook this season and potentially beyond. Many players will take on bigger roles, and younger players will be thrown into the fire early.
Ajay Mitchell Stepping Into the Spotlight
In his first game starting in place of Jalen Williams, Ajay Mitchell shined. He scored a career-high 30 points and led all scorers in OKC’s win over the Phoenix Suns.
Mitchell is currently the best equipped on the roster to take shot-creation pressure off Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He has shown he can attack downhill with great regularity, averaging 13.8 drives per game last season.
Alex Caruso‘s Increased Duties
With the Thunder missing two high-level point-of-attack defenders, Alex Caruso is next in line to fill that need. Whether he’s guarding Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, or Nikola Jokic, the 32-year-old guard has the speed, strength, and basketball IQ to be successful.
Caruso also plays with infectious energy, another valuable trait J-Dub brought. He can single-handedly swing a game’s momentum. And, just like J-Dub, he has done so on the biggest stages.
Once he returns from his ankle sprain, the two-time champion’s play will be enormous for the Thunder.
Kenrich Williams‘ Imperative Size
Kenny Hustle will see his role expand considerably, being one of the only wings on the roster. Williams can scale up defensively if needed and absorb some of Caruso’s minutes.
Williams’ increased play to help keep Caruso well-rested for the playoffs will be essential.
Bennett Stirtz‘s Considerable Rookie Responsibilities
The rookie guard from Iowa will be thrown into the fire early, being a key component in the Thunder’s bench lineups for the rest of the season. Like Ajay Mitchell, Stirtz can be a pick-and-roll ball handler, which he did a lot at Iowa.
Though Stirtz is a below-average defender at best, he will be needed. He must compete on that end and not get played off the floor in higher-leverage games.
Not All Hope Is Lost
Even with all the injuries suffered thus far, the rest of the roster is good enough to get a high seed in the playoffs. Injuries will be a major factor, of course, but if the main guys stay relatively healthy, the playoffs are still very much on the table.
Despite their two-game skid since their win over Phoenix, they’ve had a few promising turnouts.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is still the best player in the league; there’s still good talent on the roster with Jared McCain, Ajay Mitchell, Aday Mara, and others.
The West isn’t as strong as in previous years, while the Eastern Conference looks as competitive as ever. Also, Mark Daigneault has gotten a lot out of unexpectedly effective players throughout the years.
It is a worst-case scenario to start with three core pieces going down for long periods at a time in the exact same game. But if anyone can lead this team to a playoff appearance, it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
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