Kendrick Perkins will miss Thunder preseason

The Oklahoma City Thunder knew that Kendrick Perkins was going to be a work in progress this offseason as he came back from offseason surgery on both his wrist and groin. Now it's clear that he will not suit up until the regular season kicks off.

The team announced today that Perkins would miss the team's entire preseason schedule, which means that the team will also get a great look at what other guys in the middle can do. Hasheem Thabeet is a new addition at center and should be interesting to watch. Daniel Orton is another player the team has added. Cole Aldrick, former Kansas star, remains an option in the middle as well and will likely earn the lion's share of minutes.

"What we're trying to do is have him ready for the first game of the regular season" said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. "His conditioning, his fitness levels -- he's done a fantastic job. His wrist is the thing we have to be very cautious with, and we will be."