On Jan. 3 against the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Ajay Mitchell left the contest early due to a right great toe sprain. That has sidelined him for a week now, with the Thunder already missing Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso to a hip fracture and hip strain, respectively.
On Friday, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced that Mitchell’s toe injury would require surgery that will sideline him for a massive chunk of the regular season. While the OKC Thunder expect him to return at some point this season, it will not be any time soon. He will be re-evaluated in 10-to-12 weeks.
Mitchell had been a stand-out rookie, an instant impact for Mark Daigneault’s rotation since opening night as the OKC Thunder navigate through injuries. While the rookie has risen to the occasion when called upon, it was always unclear what his minute load would look like once the Thunder had to find time for a healthy roster, as Caruso and Holmgren eventually return to the hardwood…