Thunder Await Jalen Williams’ Return, Bulls Eye Off-Season Decisions, Lakers Respond to Court Safety Concerns
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Thunder
Oklahoma City head coach Mark Daigneault said Wednesday that guard Jalen Williams is “day-to-day” as he continues recovering from thumb surgery. Speaking before the matchup with Minnesota, Daigneault noted the 2023 All-NBA selection is making steady progress and praised his relentless rehabilitation work, much of which happens away from public view.
Williams, sidelined since the season began and already ineligible for postseason awards because of games missed, was in the gym early Wednesday for therapy. Daigneault cited him—along with Thomas Sorber, Nikola Topic and Chet Holmgren—as players who have handled lengthy rehab stints correctly. Despite Williams’ absence, the Thunder carried a league-best 17-1 record into the night.
Bulls
Chicago could see significant roster turnover next summer, with eight players on expiring contracts: Nikola Vucevic, Zach Collins, Coby White, Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, Jevon Carter and Dalen Terry. The club also holds a team option on Julian Phillips.
Head coach Billy Donovan has repeatedly reminded his squad that “their futures and careers are in each other’s hands,” stressing collective effort since training camp. Veteran center Vucevic underscored that urgency last weekend, calling the Bulls “very soft” during a narrow one-point win over Washington.
Vucevic and his family enjoy living in Chicago, and team observers believe the front office would consider keeping him if the season goes well. Executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas has historically shown loyalty to Donovan and much of the current roster, and several players could earn multiyear deals should Chicago outperform expectations.
Lakers
Luka Dončić erupted for 43 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds Tuesday as Los Angeles secured a berth in the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals. After the game, the Dallas guard voiced concerns about the special tournament floor at Crypto.com Arena, calling it “slippery and unsafe.”
Dončić said he slipped multiple times and observed other players doing the same, despite requesting an additional sweep of the surface before tip-off. He noted no similar issues on tournament courts in Memphis or New Orleans earlier in group play. The Lakers acknowledged the complaints and hope to improve the floor ahead of Friday’s tournament meeting with Dallas.
Source: Hoops Wire
