Thunder’s Kenrich Williams cleared to return; Sixers lose Trendon Watford for two weeks; Celtics once pursued Nets’ Day’Ron Sharpe
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Thunder
Veteran forward Kenrich Williams is expected to make his season debut Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves after missing Oklahoma City’s first 18 games, according to The Oklahoman. The 29-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee shortly before training camp and was originally projected to be out six to eight weeks.
Williams, now in his fifth season with the Thunder, appeared in 69 games last year and is regarded as a key locker-room voice. His return comes as Oklahoma City, which owns the NBA’s best record at 17-1, continues to navigate other injuries: Jalen Williams has yet to play following wrist surgery, Aaron Wiggins remains sidelined by an adductor strain, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is questionable with an illness.
76ers
An MRI confirmed that forward Trendon Watford sustained a left adductor strain in Tuesday’s loss to the Orlando Magic, The Philly Voice reported. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks, sidelining him for at least six games beginning Friday in Brooklyn.
Watford already missed Philadelphia’s first three contests this season with a hamstring issue but has since averaged 8.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists in just over 20 minutes per game. The Sixers have performed better statistically with him on the floor.
Head coach Nick Nurse may turn to Jabari Walker and Paul George—who practiced Wednesday after sitting out Tuesday with a right ankle sprain—to cover Watford’s minutes. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe also practiced after missing two games because of calf tightness, while Joel Embiid completed individual conditioning as he works through knee soreness.
Celtics
Boston showed interest in signing Brooklyn center Day’Ron Sharpe during free agency but was outbid, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported. Sharpe landed a contract worth more than $6 million for this season, whereas the Celtics could offer only the veteran minimum.
The Celtics believed the 6-foot-11 big man could have competed for a starting role and remain in the market for front-court help. Sharpe could resurface as a trade target if Brooklyn and Boston revisit talks before the deadline.
Source: Hoops Wire
