Thunder star Jalen Williams raves about Oklahoma QB John Mateer's surgeon

There are a lot of sports heroes in the state of Oklahoma right now, but maybe none more beloved than Dr. Steven Shin.

Oklahoma Sooners fans made Dr. Shin go viral last week after he performed the surgery on OU quarterback John Mateer's throwing hand. Many of those same fans included in Sooner Nation also cheer for the Oklahoma City Thunder during the NBA season, and just a few months ago, Dr. Shin also performed wrist surgery on All-Star Jalen Williams.

Dr. Shin's patient list includes John Mateer, Jalen Williams, Kobe Bryant and more

The Thunder's NBA title defense season somewhat started on Monday with media day in OKC, where Williams was asked about Dr. Shin, who has a star-studded patient list.

"I'll keep it short and sweet. He did Kobe's (Bryant)," Williams said. "Dr. Shin's awesome. He's been good throughout like the rehab process and just the surgery in general."

Williams and Mateer joined a who's who list of athletes who had seasons saved by Dr. Shin, including NBA legend Kobe Bryant, former New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees, Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love, Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Stephen Curry, Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff and more big-time athletes.

Mateer injured his right hand in the first quarter against Auburn, then had surgery the following Wednesday. The next day, after Dr. Shin had become an obsession among Sooner Nation, Mateer confirmed via X that his surgery was a success and praised Dr. Shin.

"Thank God for a successful procedure," Mateer wrote. "Dr. Shin is the GOAT. BOOMER SOONER!!"

When Mateer will return is still unknown, but Matt Zenits of CBS Sports reported via X on Friday that there's an "outside chance" Mateer is healthy enough to play against Texas in the Red River Rivalry on Oct. 11.

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