Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein Injuries Force Thunder Roster Move

Oklahoma City Thunder big men Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein have sustained injuries that will force the team to make a roster move.

Holmgren’s Season-Ending Foot Surgery

Holmgren, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot during a pro-am game in Seattle on Saturday. The injury requires surgery and is expected to sideline the 20-year-old for the entire 2022-23 season.

“This is obviously a very disappointing outcome for Chet and the entire Thunder organization,” said general manager Sam Presti. “We’ve all been incredibly excited about his potential, and we know how hard he’s been working.”

Hartenstein’s Ankle Sprain

Hartenstein, who was acquired by the Thunder in a trade with the New York Knicks in February, sprained his left ankle during practice on Tuesday. The injury is less severe than Holmgren’s, but it is still expected to keep him out for multiple weeks.

Roster Move Incoming

With both Holmgren and Hartenstein sidelined, the Thunder are expected to make a roster move to fill the void in their frontcourt.

“We’re still evaluating our options, but we’re definitely going to need to add some size and depth to our roster,” Presti said. “We have some guys who can step up, but we also want to make sure we’re competitive this season.”

Potential Replacements

Some potential candidates to replace Holmgren and Hartenstein in the Thunder’s lineup include former All-Star center Andre Drummond, free agent center DeMarcus Cousins, and veteran forward Carmelo Anthony.

Outcome

The Thunder are hopeful that Holmgren will make a full recovery and be ready to contribute next season. In the meantime, they will have to find a way to replace his production on the court without sacrificing their long-term goals.