Should OKC Thunder shut down Gilgeous-Alexander given recovery setback?

Prior to the OKC Thunder game in Detroit on Friday, head coach Mark Daigneault provided his typical pregame presser. In the injury segment of the video conference, the coach provided an update on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his recovery from plantar fasciitis.

It wasn’t great news for Thunder fans who were hoping for an imminent return to the hardcourt of their star before season end.

Daigneault updated SGA is behind schedule on the original projections. The concern was the results from his recent imaging. Because of the lack of progress a decision to re-evaluate in two weeks was made.

"“He’s definitely progressed, but not to the point that we would’ve liked. He’s probably a little bit behind what we were hoping for.”"

Should OKC Thunder shut Gilgeous-Alexander down for the season?

The injury Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has is called plantar fasciitis. The location is in the foot, on the bottom of the heel, and can cause excruciating pain.

As per healthline:

"Plantar fasciitis causes pain in the bottom of the heel. The plantar fascia is a thick, weblike ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. It acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot, helping you walk."

A variety of treatments are available. The simple practice of ice, foot massage, and rest are basics. In SGA’s case, as an athlete with a sports medical and conditioning staff at his disposal, he would be getting physiotherapy, doing targeted stretches, and possibly more elaborate forms of treatment.

The concerning part about Daigeault mentioning the imaging (or at least the hope would be) it’s not connected to his bones. If the issue didn’t heal even with an extended period the most severe cases can require surgery to fix.

It’s a common ailment NBA fans and media alike are familiar with.  One recent case fans might recall was former OKC Thunder big man Domantas Sabonis. He left the Orlando bubble while dealing with plantar fasciitis last summer.

As per Rylan Stiles of Locked on Thunder: it seems more likely SGA simply needs more time for healing — and yes — ultimately rest.

"Mark Daigneault on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander playing this season “The plan was to re-evaluate him when we did, we are just moving it down the road for two more weeks. Not ruling anything out in any direction.”’“The imaging, he has definitely progressed, but not to the point that we would have liked. He is definitely behind where we would’ve liked him.” A re-evaluation is coming in 2 weeks."

Counting forward the two weeks timeframe would take us to the end of the month.  As of May 1st, the Thunder will have nine games left on the calendar.

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If Shai progresses and gets a favorable report during the reevaluation presumably he would still need time to ramp up to a return to the hardwood. That would cut even further into the nine games noted.

Since the OKC Thunder are trying to drop down the standings to improve their draft position the franchise can afford to use patience in his recovery.

While it would be great for the youngsters to get some reps with their leader, the question is whether bringing him back for a handful of games is worthwhile. Or, if the wiser route to shut him down for the season and allow the injury to fully heal.

Given how competitive Gilgeous-Alexander is he’s likely keen to return and fans would love to see him back. Yet, it seems like erring on the side of caution is practical on many fronts.