Thunder massive man Jaylin Williams has been dominated out for the rest of coaching camp and the preseason on account of a proper hamstring pressure, in keeping with Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman.
Upon his return, Williams is poised to again up a crowded frontcourt that’s composed of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Coach Mark Daigneault was particularly complimentary of what Williams brings to the desk.
“These guys are actually, actually verbal gamers,” Daigneault stated. “Defensively particularly, that place needs to be essentially the most vocal on the court docket. [Williams] is a really daring communicator in his coverages.”
Williams shall be reevaluated after the preseason, per Lorenzi.
We’ve extra from the Northwest Division:
- Thunder offseason acquisitions Hartenstein and Alex Caruso have been as marketed, Lorenzi writes in a separate story. Each gamers have been early standouts in coaching camp. “I believe the simplest factor for each of us is that we each play actually onerous,” Caruso stated. “When you’ve gotten that as your base and your basis, the remainder of the stuff will fall into place.”
- Messaging from the Jazz has been clear all offseason relating to their need to deal with youth. Walker Kessler is among the many gamers the entrance workplace considers as a part of its younger core. Nonetheless, in keeping with Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, John Collins sees and considers himself a starter, which primes the Jazz for a beginning middle place battle in camp. Head coach Will Hardy threw one other title within the ring – that of free agent addition Drew Eubanks – when chatting with media. Larsen notes that the Jazz tried beginning Lauri Markkanen, Collins and Kessler collectively final season, however that supersized lineup wasn’t profitable.
- Many scouts and followers regarded final yr’s No. 3 general choose Scoot Henderson as a generational prospect when he entered the draft. Whereas Henderson struggled to attain effectively and didn’t garner the headlines that No. 1 choose Victor Wembanyama did, he nonetheless confirmed he might have an extended future within the league. Maybe underrated coming into his second season, the Path Blazers guard averaged 16.6 factors and seven.1 assists in his final 19 video games final yr. Head coach Chauncey Billups indicated he’s seen enchancment from Henderson this offseason. “You’ll be able to inform that his confidence is a lot totally different now,” Billups stated, per Sean Highkin of Rose Backyard Report (Twitter hyperlink). “He performs ferocious, as everyone knows, however he has just a little further chip on his shoulder now after having struggled his rookie yr. So I’ve been proud of the place he’s at. I believe Scoot’s going to have a very good season.”
- After taking part in in simply six video games final yr on account of knee surgical procedure that ended his season, Path Blazers middle Robert Williams has been taking steps to return this yr. In accordance with Highkin (Twitter hyperlink), Williams went by way of all of apply as a full participant on Tuesday earlier than sitting out Wednesday with soreness. The staff is being cautious with him in his restoration and his standing for the preseason opener is to be decided, per Highkin.
