The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last two seasons, and it doesn't look like that will change this season either. However, even though the season has only been underway for a little over a week, the team has already suffered some significant injuries.
Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace recently suffered injuries, and it was announced earlier in the week that both could potentially miss the remainder of the season.
“The Oklahoma City Thunder lost two starters to long-term injuries in their 108-101 win over the LA Clippers on Sunday night. General manager Sam Presti announced Monday that guard Jalen Williams will undergo surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula, while guard Cason Wallace will undergo surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both players are expected to miss several months,” ESPN wrote.
On Monday, Thunder general manager Sam Presti met with the media to discuss the injuries. When asked about potential roster additions, he didn't have an answer just yet.
“I haven't thought about anything relative to the roster spot,” Presti said. “I understand the question. But all I'm really focused on right now is players, giving them the right support and then helping everybody in our group realize that we have a tremendous challenge in front of us.”
A few days later, it looks like Presti has a better idea of which direction he wants to go in the backcourt. The Thunder are signing former first-round pick Ochai Agbaji, who played college basketball at Kansas.
“The Oklahoma City Thunder plan to sign Ochai Agbaji, league sources told hoopshype. Agbaji has averaged 7.2 points in four NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, and Brooklyn Nets. Agbaji was most recently with the New York Knicks in training camp,” HoopsHype’s Michael Scott wrote.
Adding Agbaji gives OKC another option for its backcourt and provides some much-needed depth. The Thunder are typically smart about the players they add to their roster, so they clearly see something in the former Toronto Raptors guard.
There are several ways Agbaji could impact a game for OKC. This is a real opportunity for him to prove that he still belongs in the NBA after being cut by the New York Knicks during the preseason.
