Thunder stay cautious with Jalen Williams; Sharpe impresses in Blazers preseason debut; Nuggets integrate Cam Johnson slowly
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Oklahoma City continues to take a deliberate approach with guard Jalen Williams, who is rehabbing from offseason surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist. Head coach Mark Daigneault said this week that the 23-year-old is “progressing on a normal timeline,” though Williams still has not resumed shooting jumpers with the injured hand, according to ESPN. The Thunder have not indicated whether he will be available for the regular-season opener later this month. Williams averaged 19.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists last season while shooting 54% from the field.
Sharpe’s strong start backs up extension talks
In Portland, Shaedon Sharpe opened the preseason by scoring 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting and collecting six rebounds in 23 minutes, reinforcing reported contract extension discussions that are hovering around $100 million. “He just looked very under control at all times,” head coach Chauncey Billups said. Billups praised the 21-year-old guard’s defense and rebounding, adding that Sharpe’s athleticism and consistency remain focal points as the Trail Blazers evaluate a long-term commitment.
Nuggets bring Cam Johnson along gradually
Cam Johnson has attempted only nine shots and scored 13 points across his first two preseason games with Denver, and the reigning champions are comfortable with that slow start. Assistant coach David Adelman said the team is focused on letting the offseason addition settle into the system before drawing up specific plays for him. “Cam plays for his teammates sometimes instead of force-feeding himself into the action,” Adelman noted, adding that Johnson’s floor spacing and off-ball movement should complement the core group anchored by Nikola Jokić once he feels fully integrated.
Source: Hoops Wire
