It's already understood that the OKC Thunder are heading into the 2025-26 campaign at less than full strength following the recent operations for both veteran Kenrich Williams and redshirted rookie Nikola Topic.
However, as the days dwindle down toward their October 21 regular-season tip-off, it seems increasingly likely that All-Star Jalen Williams will be joining them for the opener on the sidelines in street clothes.
Unbeknownst to the public at the time, the forward tore a ligament in his right hand during last year's playoff run, forcing him to fully rework his shooting motion along the way as a result and, ultimately, undergo offseason surgery.