The first step in a grueling process, the Oklahoma City Thunder have announced on Wednesday that Jalen Williams has finally had surgery to repair his fractured fibula and dislocated ankle. He will be re-evaluated before the end of the 2026-27 regular season.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, with Thunder medical personnel present.
Williams sustained the two injuries in OKC's win over the LA Clippers this past Sunday. With a little over a minute to go, he went up for a driving layup. Kris Dunn collided with him mid-air. He landed nastily on his left leg as it snapped backward. He eventually needed to be carted off the floor.
That wasn't the only big-time injury the Thunder suffered. In the first quarter, Cason Wallace sustained a torn labrum on his left shoulder. He tried to fight over Isaiah Jackson's screen. He will require surgery, too. Remains to be seen if it will end his 2026-27 season.
Interesting to hear the Thunder say Williams will be checked on again before the 2027 NBA playoffs start. That leaves a window for him to make a miraculous return and help OKC in the postseason. Of course, we're a long ways aw...