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DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Thunder Give Injury Updates Ahead of Summer League

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Bryson Akins | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 12:38 PM ET

The Thunder finally had their end-of-season press conference, where GM Sam Presti gave some significant updates. Presti gave thanks to everyone for the support, but also announced some injury concerns for specific players: Nikola Topić, Thomas Sorber, and Jalen Williams. Here are the injury updates for each Thunder player, and their timetable to return.

Thunder Give Injury Updates Ahead of Summer League

Nikola Topić

Topić was drafted 12th overall in 2024, and many considered him a steal. The Thunder were unable to verify if that was the case, as he was recovering from a torn ACL. Now, it was announced that he is healthy and ready to go for the Summer League.

The Thunder’s injury update on Topić is enormous for the team. If he lives up to the hype, the rookie will fill in a much-needed hole for the Thunder, a playmaker off the bench. His passing skills and IQ are already pro-ready, thanks to his time in Serbia. It may not be on the same level as another Serbian, Nikola Jokić, but he has the potential to reach that level.

Topić will finally see action in a Thunder jersey, and fans are excited to see what he can bring. Nikola Topić is the most anticipated rookie season for the Thunder since Chet Holmgren.

Thomas Sorber

The Sorber injury is one that does not come as a huge surprise. Sorber had surgery on his foot on February 26th. Sam Presti did announce that he could start going through the return-to-play protocol. The reason why he is not playing is there not being enough time between the draft process and Summer League.

Thunder draft pick Thomas Sorber poses for a photo with general manager Sam Presti during a press conference at the First American’s Museum in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June 28, 2025. © SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This does not mean Sorber will not play at all next season; it just means fans will have to wait until the preseason to see him in action. The injury Sorber suffered was not significant, but the Thunder want to play it safe for the rookie out of Georgetown, as he can be an essential piece to start a potential dynasty.

Thunder fans can still see rookies in action in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Brooks Barnhizer, the 44th pick, is presumably playing, as Presti gave no updates on him. As mentioned before, Nikola Topić will also be participating. Thunder fans may be upset Sorber is not playing, but it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to injuries. This is the last injury update by the Thunder regarding players playing in Summer League.

Jalen Williams

It was announced that Jalen Williams tore a ligament in his left wrist on April 9th against the Suns. Still, it did not bother him, as he helped the Thunder win a title. This makes the feat of scoring 40 points in the Finals more impressive. Now, with the season over and work done, Williams can get the operation he needs.

This is not a significant injury, and Williams should be fully recovered by next season. It would not be shocking if he sits preseason or the first few games of the season. As stated, Williams did not suffer significant injury, but it is unclear what would happen if he reaggravates the injury.

The fact alone that Williams battled through this injury and still averaged 21.4 points per game in the playoffs is beyond impressive. The NBA is not a “what if” league, but fans can’t help but imagine what the playoff run by OKC would have been like if he were healthy. They may not have lost a single game; they may win in five games against the Pacers. No one will ever know, but battling through this injury cemented Jalen Williams as one of the greatest Thunder players ever.

This caps off all of the injury updates provided by Sam Presti and the Thunder. Their NBA Summer League begins July 5th in Salt Lake City. They will be taking on the Memphis Grizzlies.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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