OKC Thunder injury update: Will Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer play in NBA Summer League?
Both of the Thunder's 2025 draft picks suffered foot injuries that ended their college seasons. With the Thunder set to play in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas summer leagues in July, the health statuses of Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer are in question.
Sorber, the Georgetown center whom the Thunder selected with the No. 15 pick, underwent surgery for a turf toe injury he suffered on Feb. 15. Thunder rookie Ajay Mitchell sustained a similar injury this season, sidelining him for three months.
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On Feb. 1, Northwestern announced that Barnhizer would miss the rest of the season with a foot injury. The Thunder selected the forward with the No. 44 pick in the draft.
Both Thunder rookies were introduced Saturday at First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
When asked about his timetable to return, Sorber smiled but didn't share much.
More: OKC Thunder introduces 2025 NBA Draft picks: What Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer said
Oklahoma City Thunder draft picks Thomas Sorber and Brooks Barnhizer are introduced during a press conference at the First American's Museum in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June 28, 2025.
'We're still working on that,' he said. 'Just taking it day-by-day, see where I end up at, see what happens for Summer League.'
So there's a chance he suits up in Summer League?
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'I don't know, just gotta take it day-by-day,' he said with a laugh.
Barnhizer, meanwhile, said he's 'ready to be a part of' Summer League.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault declined to say if Nikola Topic, whom the Thunder selected 12th overall a year ago, will play in Summer League. Topic missed all of last season as he recovered from a torn ACL.
More: NBA power rankings: OKC Thunder takes top billing, but who follow the champs after draft?
Joe Mussatto is a sports columnist for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Joe? Email him at jmussatto@oklahoman.com . Support Joe's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com .
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder injury update: Will Sorber, Barnhizer play in Summer League?
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