Cavs’ Craig Porter Jr. Eyes Larger Role; Knicks to Emphasize Three-Point Volume; Thunder Lose Kenrich Williams for 6–8 Weeks
cavs-porter-knicks-threes-thunder-williams-injury
Cleveland: Third-year guard Craig Porter Jr. says he intends to seize a meaningful spot in coach Kenny Atkinson’s rotation when training camp opens. Speaking with ClutchPoints, Porter explained that watching Donovan Mitchell’s meticulous preparation has pushed him to show the organization he is “all in.” He spent the summer working with Atkinson and the staff on conditioning, shot selection, pace and leadership, and believes the extra work has left him feeling “almost indestructible” after a Summer League hamstring strain cut his appearance to 6:30 of Game 1. With Darius Garland and Max Strus recovering from injuries, Porter could see early minutes.
New York: Newly hired head coach Mike Brown wants the Knicks to increase their perimeter attempts, telling reporters he is comfortable if the club reaches roughly 40 three-point shots per game. Brown noted that, aside from center Mitchell Robinson, every anticipated rotation player projects to shoot at least league average from deep—provided Malcolm Brogdon and Landry Shamet remain on the final roster. Brown said an uptempo attack with spacing and frequent paint touches should create a steady diet of catch-and-shoot looks.
Oklahoma City: Reserve forward Kenrich Williams underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Tuesday and will be reevaluated in six to eight weeks, the Thunder announced. The 30-year-old, affectionately known as “Kenny Hustle,” averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists across 69 games last season while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from three. Williams is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, which includes a team option for 2026-27. His absence adds to Oklahoma City’s frontcourt issues after rookie center Thomas Sorber sustained a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month.
Source: Hoops Wire
