Thunder’s Gilgeous-Alexander to miss training camp (at least) with sprained knee

The one proven playmaker and finisher on the Thunder roster, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, is now out for training camp.

Gilgeous-Alexander suffered a gade-2 MCL sprain of his left knee, the team announced. The Thunder said he will miss training camp because of the injury, but he may miss the start of the season as well.

According to the InStreetClothes Database, Grade 2 MCL sprains (partial tears) result in an average of ~41 days lost (~21 games) https://t.co/hneUQzGUlP

— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) September 21, 2022

Missing 41 days would have Gilgeous-Alexander returning on Nov. 1.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 24.5 points and 5.9 assists per game last season. He is a proven playmaker with the ball who also can work off it, and is an elite finisher at the rim. He’s also improved his game to be a solid defender.

With the Thunder expected to struggle this season — think Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes rather than playoffs — Gilgeous-Alexander has drawn trade interest around the league. However, there has been little momentum toward a deal. Rumors suggest the Knicks, Suns and others have interest.

The Thunder already faced an injury setback this season when No.2 pick Chet Holmgren suffered a ligament injury in his foot that will force him to miss the season. Fortunately Gilgeous-Alexander will not be sidelined as long, but it’s still a setback for a team that will lean more on Josh Giddey early to be the playmaker.

In the wake of a powerful backlash over what was seen as a light punishment for Suns owner Robert Sarver after nearly 18 years of racist and misogynistic behavior as a team owner, Sarver announced he was starting the process to sell the NBA’s Suns and WNBA’s Mercury.

“As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and