After Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Nikola Subject’s spectacular coaching camp, he suffered an harm in his preseason debut in opposition to the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday. Subject underwent a testicular process and will miss as much as six weeks. It is a devastating blow for the second-year guard who missed all of his rookie season as a result of an ACL harm after the Thunder chosen him twelfth total within the 2024 NBA Draft.
Subject might be re-evaluated in 4 to 6 weeks, the Thunder introduced, per ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel.
“Thunder say Nikola Subject had a testicular process right this moment and might be re-evaluated in roughly 4 to 6 weeks,” Siegel reported.
Subject began for head coach Mark Daigneault in his long-awaited Thunder debut. He completed with 10 factors on 4-of-9 makes an attempt, seven assists, 4 rebounds, and one steal in a 135-114 win in opposition to the Hornets. Subject’s method as a facilitator has impressed many for a 20-year-old. Nikola’s basketball IQ has been a subject of dialogue all through coaching camp.
Sadly, one other setback in Subject’s improvement will hinder his alternative to shine all through the preseason, the place the Thunder has prioritized its younger prospects over established veterans. Oklahoma Metropolis will face the Dallas Mavericks on the second night time of a back-to-back.
Why Chet Holmgren sees himself in Thunder’s Nikola Subject
Thunder ahead Chet Holmgren identifies with Nikola Subject’s eagerness forward of 2025-26. Holmgren felt the identical method after sitting out his rookie marketing campaign as a result of harm. Now, he will get a firsthand take a look at the 2024 twelfth total choose.
“It actually stands out the way in which he sees the sport even with out the ball in his fingers. The best way he cuts and simply finds open house, sees performs up forward of him, and will get the ball out of his fingers early,” Holmgren mentioned. “It is spectacular from a younger man, however that is what acquired him seen within the first place — his potential to see and browse the sport.
“I wasn’t actually stunned by it, however I am positively impressed along with his potential to play the sport and let issues come to him. So, he will proceed to get higher and higher.”
Watching Subject head into his first NBA season as an lively participant for the Thunder reminds Holmgren of himself forward of the 2023-24 season.
“He is younger. Clearly, hasn’t performed a sport but. It is a related scenario to what I used to be in, and he will proceed to enhance very quick,” Holmgren added. “He needs to get higher. He has a severe method to the sport. So, I am impressed by him.”
The Thunder will face the Mavericks on the highway on Monday.