The OKC Thunder have been without star centerpiece Chet Holmgren for roughly two full months now as he continues to rehab from a right iliac wing fracture in his hip sustained during a November 10 bout against the Golden State Warriors.
Initial reports from that fateful night indicated that the big man would be reevaluated in eight to ten weeks, however, now officially in the early stages of week eight, fans have yet to receive any updates on his status.
Coach Mark Daigneault made the most recent comments about the sidelined center during a practice media availability session on Monday, though sadly, they weren't words of wisdom or a reveal of possible dates for a potential return to action.
Thunder coach provides undesired update on Chet Holmgren's status
Asked by reporters if Holmgren had "reached a point" where he would be able to travel with the Thunder during their upcoming week-long road trip, coach Daigneault responded with a less-than confident retort.
"I don't even know if he's traveling. I swear to God. I have no idea if he's traveling. Sometimes they'll travel for different reasons, and if it's best for their rehab to stay back they'll stay back but I literally don't know the plan on that," Daigneault said.
Though the headman would note that his lack of knowledge regarding Holmgren's travel status indicates "it's clearly not a huge thing," for Thunder faithful it's likely still upsetting for them to hear.
OKC has endured countless injuries all season long and, as a result, has yet to see a fully intact rotation take to the hardwood.
Fortunately, despite this shoddy luck they've managed to more than weather the proverbial storm, as the team sports the second-best record in the association at 30-5, resides in the top seed in the Western Conference standings, is amid the league's longest win streak at 15 straight, and is number one team in the league's latest power rankings.
Still, even with all this success, fans have been eagerly awaiting any semblance of an update on Holmgren's impending return to action, for his contributions would only further strengthen the club's status as a championship favorite.
In the games leading up to his grueling injury, the big man was amid a tremendous follow-up to his Rookie of the Year debut campaign, as he was posting new career-highs of 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from distance.
Adding this type of production to this current Thunder team would certainly be seen as a true luxury. Unfortunately, it appears they may have to wait until after their upcoming road trip to experience it.