The two, in their own respective rights, were to birth the versatility of dreams. Twelve games in and without any traditional center or even Caruso — an unexpected understudy for the big-man group — the Thunder doesn’t have an option: shrink to the occasion or drown for the next several weeks.

Chet Holmgren's nasty fall in their loss to the Golden State Warriors resulted in a hip fracture. He'll miss at least two months. His return-to-play protocol will be updated in 8-to-10 weeks. It's a brutal blow for the Thunder.

Two days after being eliminated from this season of Dancing With the Stars, Dwight Howard already pitched himself to return to the NBA, this time playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder.