Needless to say, it was massively disappointing for the Oklahoma City Thunder to see second-round pick Otega Oweh go down with an torn Achilles in their penultimate preseason matchup.
This is now the fourth rookie they've lost, in recent memory, to a season-ending injury. Chet Holmgren lost his rookie season in 2022, Nikola Topic did in 2024, and Thomas Sorber did in 2025. Oweh, through his Summer League and preseason appearances, looked to be a real potential contributor to this roster. His on-ball defensive intensity fit in perfectly with what the Thunder typically ask of their rotation players, and his quick first step and physicality working downhill would've given him some immediate offensive upside.
Now, Oklahoma City is left with just two active players on two-way deals—Brooks Barnhizer and Josh Dix.
But as much as Oweh's loss affects their potential depth over the course of the regular season, it doesn't create an immediate roster need for Oklahoma City. For now, Oweh should be allowed to spend the season in his two-way spot, rehabbing at the G-League level and preparing for a shot at the rotation whenever he returns.
Otega Oweh is still a long-term prospect for the Thunder, and there shouldn't be a rush to replace his two-way spot
Neither Barnhizer nor Dix likely possess the upside that Oweh did as a two-way contract player. Barnhizer has shown some improvement as a ball handler and a complementary playmaker through his reps this offseason, but he's still too streaky as a shooter (and too reliant on the mid-range shot) to see serious playing time on this roster. Dix, meanwhile, is a capable perimeter shooter, but there are enough concerns about his athleticism and his defensive upside that it's hard to chart a path for him as well.
In theory, the Thunder could waive Oweh off of his deal, signing him to the G-League and elevating him again next season when he returns to full health. It would, at the very least, allow them to bring another player on to fill that third two-way spot next to Barnhizer and Dix.
But there are two major considerations that may not make that the right path forward for Oklahoma City.
Firstly, it's hard to imagine there are any players available on two-way deals at this point in the offseason that would have a serious chance at minutes on this team. Oweh's path was always going to be steep, even if he was able to claim the 15th roster spot before it was all said and done. Ochai Agbaji was just let go by the New York Knicks, and there's a chance Dalton Knecht hits the market if trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks fall through.
Neither of those players, though, have the necessary skill set to take on even marginal minutes on this Thunder team. If this squad lacked the depth and the cohesive defensive identity that's become its trademark, it might be a different story.
Secondly, this organization used a draft pick on Oweh rather than moving on from their additional selection after making two in the first round. That must mean their hopes are high on his long-term development, and doing right by him in this scenario could go a long way toward building that confidence in him as a piece of this organization moving forward. There are also plenty of players within the organization, as outlined above, who have experience with this sort of situation and can help guide and encourage Oweh through the process.
If a need presents itself, the Thunder will always retain the option of moving Oweh off of his current two-way deal. But there shouldn't be any urgency to get it done, and Oklahoma City should be primarily looking forward to Oweh's rehabilitation and return to the organization.
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