TITLE: Suggs Set for Season Opener, Nets Secure Clowney, Durant Makes Rockets Debut
SLUG: suggs-returns-nets-exercise-clowney-option-durant-rockets-debut
CONTENT:
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs has been cleared to play in Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Miami Heat, head coach Jamahl Mosley told reporters. The 24-year-old underwent season-ending knee surgery in March to remove a cartilage fragment and missed the entire preseason, but has recently participated in full-contact five-on-five sessions.
“It’s just great to see that he’s able to go through full contact with the group,” Mosley said, noting the team will monitor Suggs’ minutes, especially in back-to-back games.
Suggs earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2024 and averaged a career-high 16.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals before being sidelined last season.
Nets Pick Up Clowney Option
The Brooklyn Nets have exercised their 2026-27 team option on forward Noah Clowney, guaranteeing his $5.4 million salary for next season, according to NJ.com. The 21st overall pick in the 2023 draft averaged 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 46 games as a rookie while battling ankle issues. Brooklyn also waived Kobe Bufkin and Dariq Whitehead, automatically declining their options.
Durant’s First Game in Houston
Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone said acquiring Kevin Durant was not in the club’s original offseason blueprint but called the forward’s skill set “unique.”
“Nobody felt they needed to be moved. But Kevin’s archetype is unique,” Stone told ESPN. “There just aren’t a whole lot of Kevin Durants.”
Durant’s debut came in a 125-124 double-overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He missed a late free throw and fouled out in the second overtime, later saying, “I think those two plays are the reason we lost.”
Center Alperen Şengün led Houston with 39 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. “He was the backbone of our offense tonight,” teammate Josh Okogie said.
Source: Hoops Wire
