OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on track for NBA season opener at Minnesota

Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (left MCL sprain) is on track to play Wednesday in Oklahoma City’s season opener at Minnesota.

“He looks really good physically,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Sunday after practice.

The Thunder scrimmaged Sunday, and Daigneault said that was the first “real game situation” that Gilgeous-Alexander has played in with some of his new teammates.

“We’re always very careful when we’re bringing guys back because we don’t want to create a situation where we’re rushing them back only to have to deal with it in a recurring manner, and we’re confident that’s not the case,” Daigneault said. “He’s progressing well and feeling good.”

Lu Dort (quad contusion) and Kenrich Williams (groin) are also expected to play Wednesday against the Timberwolves. The status of Mike Muscala (ankle sprain) is still up in the air.

Gilgeous-Alexander suffered the knee injury almost five weeks ago. He was sidelined for all six of the Thunder’s preseason games.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a career-high 24.5 points per game last season. He’s entering his fifth season overall, and his fourth season in OKC.

“It’s cool having Shai back on the floor,” rookie guard Jalen Williams said. “He changes the game with all of us on the floor together.”

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Chet Holmgren off scooter

Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren ditched the scooter that he’s been wheeling around on since his right foot surgery on Aug. 30.

Holmgren has already been ruled out for the season due to his Lisfranc injury, but he’s one step closer to returning.

Holmgren was the last Thunder player on the court Sunday after practice. He launched one-legged 3-pointers off his left foot to avoid putting pressure on his right foot, which is still in a boot.

“It’s a long rehab, but there are progress points along the way,” Daigneault said. “This is one of them. I’m happy for him. I think it gives him a good piece of mind that he’s on his feet again. He’ll just keep attacking it.”

Thunder signs Isaiah Joe

Isaiah Joe appears to have claimed the Thunder’s 15th and final roster spot.

Joe, a 6-foot-4 guard, signed a multi-year contract with the Thunder on Saturday, the team announced.

To make room for Joe, the Thunder is expected to waive guards David Nwaba and Trey Burke, and center Marquese Chriss — all of whom were acquired as part of an eight-player trade with the Rockets last month.

Joe was a second-round pick of the 76ers in the 2020 draft. He played two seasons in Philadelphia, averaging 3.7 points and 1.0 rebound in 96 games.

Of Joe’s 310 career field-goal attempts, 77% of them have come from behind the 3-point line. He shot 37% from three as a rookie, and 33% last season.

Joe was a 38% 3-point shooter in his two seasons at Arkansas. As a sophomore, Joe attempted 10.6 3-pointers per game.

Joe signed with the Razorbacks having grown up in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He went to Northside High School, where he played with Thunder center Jaylin Williams, who also grew up in Fort Smith.

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Thunder tip-ins

➤ On Saturday, the Thunder exercised its third-year contract options on guards Josh Giddey and Tre Mann, and its fourth-year option on forward Aleksej Pokusevski. These were routine and expected moves.

➤ Former Texas A&M star Acie Law has joined the Thunder as director of amateur evaluation. Law was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and a consensus All-American in his senior season. Law played in 188 NBA games from 2007-11.

➤ Former Thunder point guard Theo Maledon signed a two-way contract with the Hornets on Saturday. Former Thunder center Moses Brown signed a two-way contract with the Clippers.

Thunder at Timberwolves

SEASON OPENER: 7 p.m. Wednesday at Target Center in Minneapolis (BSOK)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on track to play in season opener