Oklahoma City, OK — Thunder forward Jalen Williams remains limited to non-shooting work with his right hand as he rehabs from surgery on a torn scapholunate ligament in his right wrist. Head coach Mark Daigneault told reporters Thursday that Williams is “progressing on a normal timeline,” but offered no target date for his return with the regular season set to begin later this month.
Sharpe starts preseason strong for Portland
In Portland, guard Shaedon Sharpe opened the preseason Wednesday with 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting and six rebounds in just 23 minutes. The performance comes amid speculation that the 2022 No. 7 overall pick could seek a four-year rookie-scale extension exceeding $100 million. “He just looked very under control at all times,” head coach Chauncey Billups said. “I think Shaedon can be an exceptional rebounder with his physical gifts.”
Nuggets easing Cameron Johnson into offense
Newly acquired forward Cameron Johnson has attempted only nine shots through his first two preseason games with Denver, totaling 13 points. Head coach David Adelman said Thursday the team is focused on getting Johnson comfortable in its system. “Cam is one of those guys that plays for his teammates sometimes instead of force-feeding himself into the action,” Adelman noted, adding that specific sets for Johnson will be installed soon.
Separately, league sources told The Denver Post that swingman Bruce Brown drew offseason inquiries from the Lakers and Suns before opting to re-sign with the Nuggets.
Utah rookie Ace Bailey impresses Durant
Fifth overall pick Ace Bailey scored 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting in the Jazz’s preseason loss to Houston on Wednesday, adding six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Rockets forward Kevin Durant praised the 19-year-old afterward, calling him a “dynamic player” and predicting “a big year” under Utah’s development program.
The Thunder open the regular season on Oct. 24, while the Trail Blazers, Nuggets and Jazz all debut Oct. 25.
Source: Hoops Rumors
