It’s been an issue over the last few years. It was Russell Westbrook‘s knee the last two years. Then Serge Ibaka‘s calf last postseason. Injuries have hindered the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title aspirations over the last couple years.
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Injuries are already playing a role in the 2014-15 season through two preseason games for the Thunder. While it is not one of their top three players (Ibaka, Westbrook,
Kevin Durant), two key role players have already suffered injuries that may lead to them missing regular season action.
Rookie Mitch McGary, who the Thunder picked with the No. 21 overall pick in the draft, suffered a foot fracture of his left second metatarsal in Wednesday’s preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets. The Thunder’s medical staff has pegged McGary to be out six weeks.
The rookie from Michigan looked solid in his first preseason game. He got the start at the power forward position with Serge Ibaka sitting out and scored 14 points on 7-of-14 shooting in 36 minutes of play. McGary showed his versatility, scoring around the basket, knocking down mid-range jump shots and providing nice interior passing.
That is exactly what the Thunder expected from McGary when they drafted him in the first round. Wednesday’s preseason game solidified what McGary could bring to the Thunder in 10-15 minutes per game once the regular season starts. Unfortunately, we won’t see that now with McGary’s recent injury.
Also, something to note and to be conscious of in the future, McGary has been injury prone in the past. Last season, he missed almost all of the college basketball season with a back injury that required surgery. While the two are most likely unrelated, big players that have back and feet problems are never good. Just something to keep in mind with McGary.
The other injury happened Friday night when Reggie Jackson left the Thunder’s game against the Dallas Mavericks with an apparent wrist injury.
Jackson was met at the rim by Al-Farouq Aminu and landed on his right arm as he hit the floor. The Oklahoman’s Darnell Mayberry described the injury in his story after the game.
"Jackson rolled around on the court a few times, just underneath the basket as he grimaced in discomfort. A foul was called on the play, and Jackson stayed in to attempt the ensuing free throw. But immediately after taking, and making, the foul shot, Jackson again began wincing in pain. With his right arm hanging down by his side, Jackson delivered an intentional foul so that he could be removed from the game."
Jackson was supposed to get reevaluated Saturday back in Oklahoma City to determine if he will miss anytime.
The Thunder’s bench will get even thinner if Jackson is out. Jackson is set to continue his role as the Thunder’s sixth man, who can change a game with his scoring ability off the bench. If he misses time, the Thunder will not have a single player off the bench who can provide a spark like Jackson can. He is key to their success.
You never want anyone to get hurt, but injuries do happen. And if there is anyway to look at this optimistically, it is better to have injuries in the preseason than when the Thunder are nearing the playoffs.
Durant was adamant that guys just have to step up.
"“Guys have got to step up,” said Kevin Durant. “That’s a part of the game. We just got to get our guys healthy and ready for the season.” (via Oklahoman)"
One of the guys that will have to step up is Anthony Morrow, who the Thunder acquired from the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason. Morrow looked good in Friday’s preseason game doing what he does best, knocking down the 3-point shot. He scored 21 points on 4-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. If Jackson is going to miss time, the Thunder will turn to Morrow to be a scorer off the bench and spread the floor.
The Thunder still have six more preseason games to go. Hopefully, the injury report doesn’t grow at the rate is as of now.