Central Division Roundup: Hunter Stays on Cavs Bench, Garland’s Toe Improves, Bulls Issue Injury Updates, Jackson Nears Return
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The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to bring De’Andre Hunter off the bench despite ongoing injuries at small forward, leaving the organization unsure of his long-term role. Hunter, acquired at last season’s trade deadline to solidify the starting lineup, has not opened a game since December 14. Through 34 appearances, the 26-year-old is averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists, but his shooting has dipped to 43.0 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from deep—both well below his career marks.
Head coach Kenny Atkinson has resisted placing Hunter in the first unit even as Dean Wade missed four of the past five contests with a knee bruise. Team officials are now debating whether to pursue another small forward ahead of the trade deadline, a decision complicated by Max Strus’ slow recovery from offseason foot surgery.
The Cavaliers’ early-season struggles have also been tied to Darius Garland’s lingering toe injury. Garland looked “like the old DG,” according to Atkinson, while producing 22 points and six assists in Saturday’s win over Minnesota. “When his pace is great and he’s getting into the paint, it makes things so much easier and so much better for our offense,” guard Sam Merrill said.
In Chicago, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan told reporters that Josh Giddey has begun on-court work as he rehabs a strained left hamstring. Although no return date has been set, Donovan said the guard has encountered no setbacks. The club also provided two additional medical updates: rookie forward Noa Essengue has resumed weightlifting roughly two months after season-ending shoulder surgery, and center Zach Collins is in a walking boot due to what Donovan called a “pretty significant” toe sprain. Collins is seeking multiple medical opinions, but surgery is not currently planned.
Meanwhile, Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson has cleared the NBA’s concussion protocol and has shifted to conditioning drills. Head coach Rick Carlisle expects the third-year big man to be available in about a week.
Source: Hoops Rumors
