Spurs stay cautious with Wembanyama’s minutes; Nets expect Cam Thomas back; Heat keep pressing rookie Ware
spurs-wembanyama-minutes-nets-thomas-heat-ware
San Antonio, Brooklyn and Miami — Three Eastern and Western Conference clubs offered health and development updates Friday, outlining very different timelines for three young standouts.
Spurs hold firm on Wembanyama restriction
The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning run over Oklahoma City on Thursday, but rookie center Victor Wembanyama remained on a strict minutes limit as he works back from a left calf strain that cost him 12 games. The No. 1 pick has now come off the bench in seven consecutive contests, finishing the latest victory with 19 points and 11 rebounds in 26 minutes.
Interim coach Mitch Johnson said competitive circumstances will not influence the plan. “I don’t know when it becomes unrestricted, but his minutes will be mindful,” Johnson told reporters. “If this game goes into triple overtime, he will not be in the game.”
Johnson added that Wembanyama, who missed last season’s post-All-Star schedule because of deep vein thrombosis in his shoulder, is fully on board with the precautionary approach designed to protect his long-term availability.
Nets anticipate Cam Thomas return
Cam Thomas is on track to play Saturday against Minnesota, head coach Jordi Fernandez confirmed after the guard completed a full-contact practice. Brooklyn has stabilized of late, going 6-3 in its past nine outings after a 3-16 start.
“I just want to get back on the court and play,” Thomas said. The 22-year-old accepted a one-year qualifying offer last summer but has appeared in only eight games this season, averaging 21.4 points and 2.6 assists in 28.3 minutes. He has been limited to 33 games over the previous two campaigns, making durability a key concern for the Nets.
Spoelstra pushes rookie Ware for faster growth
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra continues to publicly challenge second-year center Kelel Ware, urging him to influence games beyond the stat sheet. Ware said the tough love mirrors what he experienced at Oregon and Indiana under Dana Altman and Mike Woodson. “I’ve been getting coached like that, so it’s not a big thing to me,” Ware noted.
Spoelstra wants the 20-year-old to accelerate his development, especially on defense. “We want growth faster. I want him to be like he’s 28, and that’s not realistic. But his play is improving, and I want to feel that,” the coach said.
Source: Hoops Wire
