Thunder rookie's 2026-27 season wiped out by devastating injury

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Otega Oweh. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Thunder rookie's 2026-27 season wiped out by devastating injury

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Rex Villas | Last updated Oct 15, 2026 8:04 AM ET

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s attempt to reclaim the NBA crown in the 2026-27 season will not involve rookie guard Otega Oweh.

The former Kentucky Wildcats guard suffered a non-contact injury during overtime of Tuesday’s NBA preseason game between the Thunder and the Pacers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.

After challenging a Pacers 3-point shot, Oweh went down on the floor in clear pain.

Thunder staff immediately checked on him before he was helped off the floor.

Here is a video of the moment when Oweh got hurt.

Otega Oweh with a scary non-contact injury in overtime, vs. the Pacers. He remained on the floor and was eventually carried off it with the help of Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams. The camera focuses on Tyrese Haliburton after that With a replay. The 41st overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 14, 2026

On Wednesday, the Thunder announced that Oweh had ruptured his right Achilles tendon and subsequently undergone surgery to address the injury. As a result, he will miss the entire 2026-27 campaign as he begins the long process of recovery and rehabilitation.

Otega Oweh underwent a successful procedure today to address a ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Thunder PR. Oweh will miss the entire 2026-27 season. https://t.co/HpSAmEZyO9
— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) October 15, 2026

Oweh scored eight points on 2/6 shooting and grabbed three rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench in the Thunder’s 114-112 win over the Pacers. It will take time for him to get back to his top form, but he’s only 23, so he still has an entire basketball career ahead of him.

Oweh played two college basketball seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners before transferring to Kentucky. After two years with the Wildcats, Oweh was taken 41st overall in the 2026 NBA Draft.

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