Thunder rookie Otega Oweh out for season after right Achilles rupture and surgery

Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Otega Oweh will miss the entire 2026-27 season after rupturing his right Achilles tendon in Tuesday’s preseason win over the Indiana Pacers, Thunder PR announced Wednesday night. Oweh underwent a successful procedure earlier Wednesday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Martin O’Malley performed the surgery with Thunder medical personnel present.

Otega Oweh underwent a successful procedure today to address a ruptured right Achilles tendon, per Thunder PR.

Oweh will miss the entire 2026-27 season. pic.twitter.com/HpSAmEZyO9

— Justin Martinez (@Justintohoops) October 15, 2026

Justin Martinez and Clemente Almanza both relayed the Thunder’s statement that Oweh will miss the remainder of the season, with further updates to come as appropriate. The diagnosis closes the wait that followed his non-contact exit in overtime at Paycom Center.

How the injury happened

Oweh left Tuesday’s 114-112 overtime win after planting on his right foot on defense, collapsing, and grabbing the back of his right ankle. He could not put weight on the foot and needed help to the locker room. Coach Mark Daigneault called the situation “really tough” for Oweh after the game, before any official diagnosis was available.

Thunder PR:

Otega Oweh has sustained a torn Achilles tendon. He had surgery for it today. He will miss the 2026-27 season pic.twitter.com/LoaPufoZue

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) October 15, 2026

Second setback for the No. 41 pick

Oklahoma City selected Oweh 41st overall in the 2026 draft and signed him to a two-way deal. He appeared in only two Summer League games before a left foot injury ended that stint. Leaving a preseason overtime with assistance already raised concern; Wednesday’s Thunder update confirmed a season-ending Achilles rupture and successful surgery the same day.

The Thunder open the regular season soon with depth on the wing, but the two-way guard will not be part of that group in 2026-27. Rehab and a return timetable beyond this season will come later, per the team’s statement.