Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace will be sidelined indefinitely due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder..

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced grim news on Tuesday, confirming that guard Cason Wallace will be sidelined due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

According to the Thunder's official statement from the team, Wallace is set to undergo surgery in the near future. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, as it will depend on his progress following the procedure.

This injury comes as a major blow to the Oklahoma City Thunder, marking the loss of two key starters within a 24-hour span, a development that could significantly diminish the team's chances of successfully defending their NBA championship.

Just recently, All-Star power forward Jalen Williams was also ruled out for an extended period due to a fractured fibula and a dislocated left ankle.

Both players sustained their injuries during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers this past Sunday (October 25).

Williams suffered his injury in the fourth quarter as his left lower leg buckled upon landing after a drive to the basket. Recognizing the severity of the injury, players from both teams reacted with visible distress, covering their faces or turning away.

Wallace meanwhile sustained his injury in the first quarter after colliding with Clippers big man Isaiah Jackson while attempting to navigate around a screen; he will now require surgery.

Last week, the Thunder signed Wallace to a five-year, $139 million contract extension.

Previously, the team had traded Luguentz Dort to Atlanta during the offseason, a move intended to solidify the 2023 first-round draft pick as a long-term backcourt partner for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. 

Wallace, who turns 23 next week, averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists last season. However, his greatest impact is felt on the defensive end, where he has established himself as one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders.

Last season, he averaged 1.9 steals per game, finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. Before suffering an injury this past Sunday, he had already racked up 7 steals in just 49 minutes of play.

Image source: Internet / NBAE