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OKC Thunder dealt major blow to championship hopes as promising young star undergoes season-ending surgery

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 6:30 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s quest to repeat as NBA champions has hit a roadblock, as their 2025 NBA Draft pick is set to miss the NBA season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder finally overcame their biggest hurdle this past season, when they defeated the Indiana Pacers to win the NBA championship.

While the Thunder showed vulnerability in the NBA Finals, it was clear that they were the best team in the league.

And in the summer, their squad got even stronger, when the Thunder selected Thomas Sorber in the NBA Draft.

While Sorber looked set to contribute to their title defense this season, fate intervened, and the young star is now going to be on the injury reserve for the entire campaign.

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Thomas Sorber undergoes ACL repair surgery, set to miss 2025-26 NBA season

A few days ago, it was announced that Thomas Sorber tore his ACL during an offseason workout.

Now, Brett Siegel is reporting that Sorber underwent surgery on his right knee to fix his ACL tear. As a result, he will miss the upcoming NBA season with the OKC Thunder.

Thunder center Thomas Sorber underwent a successful procedure today to address a torn ACL in his right knee.

He will miss the entirety of the 2025-26 NBA season. https://t.co/QEl11PBNuK
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) September 17, 2025

As a result, the Thunder will be without their second-string center. Sorber will also have his rookie season with the Thunder the following season.

For the Thunder, this is a massive blow, as it leaves them shallow when it comes to the center spot, and they will have to address this injury before the season starts.

Oklahoma City Thunder will struggle without a lack of center depth

Make no mistake about this, this injury creates a massive headache for OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti. With no back-up center, the Thunder have just two options going forward.

Their first option is to do what they did last season and rotate between Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, and Jaylin Williams, which seemed to work out well for them.

However, with heavy legs under them and Chet Holmgren’s history with injuries, that option comes with a lot of risk.

The other option is a lot tougher to pull off. It involves the Thunder perusing the free agent and trade market for a cheap, affordable option at center.

Given their wealth of assets, players like Nicolas Claxton or Jusuf Nurkic might be options that they can consider, at least on a short-term rental.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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