The Oklahoma City Thunder are still recovering from their early playoff exit, but their offseason is already off to a rough start.
On Tuesday, Thunder star Paul George underwent surgery to repair a partially torn tendon in his right shoulder. His recovery will likely cause him to miss at least the start of the preseason. However, according to Adrian Wojnarowski and Royce Young of ESPN, that isn't the end of George's injury woes.
“George…will also soon have a procedure done to correct a small tear in the labrum of his left shoulder.”
George had a phenomenal 2018-19 season. But the 29-year-old's performance dropped off significantly after the All-Star break, likely due to his various shoulder injuries. Prior to the break, he averaged 28.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists, which earned George his sixth career All-Star nod. But after the All-Star festivities, his production decreased to 26.4 points despite averaging more than two more minutes per game.
He continued to play very well in the postseason, although he was a bit less efficient. However, the rest of the Thunder couldn't put it together and lost to the Portland Trail Blazers in just five games.
George's health is critical to the success of the Thunder franchise. He is under guaranteed contract through the 2020-21 season, with a player option for the next year. Any complications from George's surgeries could cause serious problems for Oklahoma City down the road.
The Thunder haven't made it past the first round since the 2015-16 season, when they lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Golden State Warriors. The team will be more determined than ever to advance deep into the playoffs next season.
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