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OKC Thunder's Unfortunate Rookie News Sparks Talks That the Team Is Cursed

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 7:53 PM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2024-25 NBA championship, so they head to the new campaign as the team to beat. They have the MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and they made sure to keep their core by committing up to $537 million to both Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

However, even before the new season starts, the reigning NBA champs have already received some bad news on their roster.

During the 2025 NBA Draft, the Thunder selected center Thomas Sorber out of Georgetown with the 15th overall pick. Sorber was expected to develop into a reliable backup big man who could impact OKC with his passing and playmaking.

Unfortunately, Sorber suffered an injury on Thursday and has now been ruled out for the whole 2025-26 season.

"The Oklahoma City Thunder announced today that rookie forward/center Thomas Sorber sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during an offseason workout in Oklahoma City yesterday," the team announced in a statement on Friday.

Thunder PR:

Thomas Sorber has sustained a torn ACL. He will miss the 2025-26 season pic.twitter.com/wENLro42SU
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) September 5, 2025

Fans were quick to express their disappointment and sadness over the news. Many, however, also couldn't help but point out how the Thunder seem cursed when it comes to rookie injuries.

For those unaware, the Thunder's 12th overall pick in the 2024 draft, Nikola Topic, also missed the entire past season due to a torn ACL. Chet Holmgren, OKC's No. 2 pick in 2022, also missed his first NBA campaign due to a Lisfranc injury.

"Is it like a requirement that every Thunder first rounder misses their entire first season?" a commenter wrote. Another one said, "OKC and rookies getting injured before ever playing, a tradition unlike any other."

A fan added, "rookie curse."

"We are 100% the most cursed franchise in the league," a supporter remarked.

"Bro! This the third time in a row our first pick got a season ending injury before it even started!" a frustrated follower stated.

A sixth poster shared, "Dude what is up with our rookies getting hurt every single summer like what the [expletive]."

It's unknown how long Sorber will need to fully recover. For now, though, Thunder fans will have to wait at least a year to see him contribute.

Training camp starts on Sept. 29, while the 2025-26 NBA season officially kicks off on Oct. 21.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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