TITLE: Injury Sidelines Scoot Henderson; Grizzlies Lose Brandon Clarke Again; Mavericks Bring Back Dennis Smith Jr.
SLUG: injury-updates-blazers-grizzlies-mavericks-roster-moves
CONTENT:
PORTLAND, Ore. — Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson sustained a torn left hamstring during a workout this week and is expected to miss four to eight weeks of basketball activities, the team said. The timeline covers only a return to drills, meaning the 21-year-old will not be available for Portland’s season opener.
Henderson averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 assists and 3.1 rebounds last season after a challenging rookie campaign. Until he is cleared, head coach Chauncey Billups is likely to lean on Jrue Holiday and Blake Wesley to handle point-guard duties. The club recently re-signed Damian Lillard, who was waived by Milwaukee after an Achilles injury.
Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Forward Brandon Clarke will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to treat synovitis and is expected to be out at least six weeks, according to the Grizzlies. The club noted that Clarke’s prior PCL sprain has healed, but inflammation surfaced during workouts. The 27-year-old missed most of the 2023-24 schedule with a torn Achilles.
Memphis also provided updates on three other big men:
- Zach Edey (ankle surgery) may begin ramp-up activities but remains six to nine weeks from a return.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. (turf toe surgery) is tracking toward a four-to-six-week comeback window.
- Rookie Cedric Coward has been fully cleared after a shoulder issue and will participate without restriction in training camp.
With Clarke, Edey and Jackson sidelined early, Santi Aldama and Jock Landale are expected to see elevated minutes in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt rotation.
Mavericks
DALLAS — The Mavericks have re-signed guard Dennis Smith Jr. on a one-year deal that is expected to be non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed. Smith, drafted by Dallas in 2017, has developed a defensive reputation during stints with multiple teams, including Charlotte. He turns 27 next month.
Dallas also added forward Jeremiah Robinson-Earl on a training-camp contract. The 24-year-old averaged 6.3 points and 4.8 rebounds in 66 games for New Orleans last season and declined overseas offers to compete for a roster spot. The Mavericks already feature a crowded frontcourt that includes Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg, Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, Dereck Lively II and Dwight Powell.
Source: Hoops Wire
