Thunder Rookie Thomas Sorber Praised for Rehab Work

Coach Mark Daigneault commends Sorber's dedication during recovery from torn ACL

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:04am

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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Thomas Sorber has impressed his coaches and teammates with his dedication and hard work during his rehabilitation from a torn right ACL. Sorber, the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, sustained the injury during an offseason workout in September and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2026-27 season. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Sorber's consistent effort and work ethic throughout the long, grueling recovery process.

Why it matters

Sorber's injury and recovery process is an important storyline for the Thunder as they look to develop their young core of talent. The team has embraced and supported Sorber during this challenging time, and his dedication to his rehab has earned the respect of his coaches and teammates.

The details

Sorber, a 20-year-old center, was the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after a standout college career at Georgetown. He sustained the torn ACL injury during an offseason workout on September 4th and underwent surgery on September 16th. Sorber has been cleared by the team to resume some on-court training and other related workouts, and he has accompanied the team on its current road trip. While he still has a ways to go in his full recovery, Daigneault praised Sorber's consistent effort and work ethic throughout the rehabilitation process.

  • Sorber sustained the torn ACL injury during an offseason workout on September 4, 2026.
  • Sorber underwent surgery to repair the torn ACL on September 16, 2026.
  • Sorber is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The players

Thomas Sorber

A 20-year-old center who was the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder. He sustained a torn right ACL injury during an offseason workout in September 2026.

Mark Daigneault

The head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who has praised Sorber's dedication and hard work during his rehabilitation process.

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What they’re saying

“There are limits to what he can do right now. He has still got a ways to go in terms of a full recovery, but he is at the point in the rehab that is a little more engaging. The weather is warmer; there is a lot of good stuff going on for him right now.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

“He has done a great job. Every time you look at him, he is working hard. He is sweating. He has just kind of kept his head down, mouth shut. He has earned a lot of respect from his teammates because every time they look at him, he is putting the work in. For a young guy to be as consistent and have the work capacity that he has had has been very impressive.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

Sorber will continue his rehabilitation program with the goal of being fully healthy and ready to contribute for the Thunder at the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

The takeaway

Sorber's dedication and hard work during his recovery process have earned him the respect of his coaches and teammates, and the Thunder organization has embraced and supported him throughout this challenging time. His return to the court next season will be an important milestone for both Sorber and the Thunder as they look to build a winning team around their young core of talent.