NBA Quick Shots (Sep. 27th)
Deron Williams’ Ankle Never to be 100%
After months of resting his injured ankle following the NBA playoffs, the Utah Jazz point guard still hasn’t seen enough progress to feel that his ankle will ever be fully healed.
The season starts in less than two months, so he’s probably right in saying that this is as good as his ankle will get.
Williams has also added five pounds of muscle to help with his durability in 2009.
Yao Ming Admits His 2009-10 is Lost
That’s fine. Hopefully he’ll actually sit-out and let it heal for real this time.
Ming has had so many injuries combined with his non-stop play between the NBA and his China team. The guy is due a break.
Luis Scola, who was already turning into a decent rotation guy, both for Houston and Fantasy leagues, figures to get even more minutes.
Indiana’s Mike Dunleavy Practicing Again
His participation will only be on a limited basis, but it’s a start. After reports that the damage to his knees could be career-threatening, this is very good to hear.
Dunleavy is still a quality player in the league, but may have to fight to ensure a spot in the starting line-up this year. With injuries keeping him off the court for much of last season, Dunleavy has a bit of an uphill battle to fight.
Nate Robinson and David Lee Officially Sign With Knicks
Robinson gets $2.9 million for 2009 and is expected to walk in the summer of 2010, while Lee will get around $8 million for the up-coming season.
There have been rumors that neither player is completely in New York’s future plans, although they both help the Knicks to remain competitive (kind of) for the present.
Both players also have incentive clauses tied into their deals, and both are strong candidates to hear their names discussed when the league’s trade deadline approaches after January.
Despite Signing of Ramon Sessions, Jonny Flynn Starter in Minnesota
That’s what GM Davd Kahn is thinking and keeps saying, but Kurt Rambis will ultimately be the judge. Sessions has good experience and still has decent potential, so the Timberwolves would be doing themselves a favor by letting the rookie learn by coming off the bench.
Either way, all we know for sure is that these two guys will be splitting time at the point, and Ricky Rubio has nothing to do with Minnesota basketball in 2009.
Chris Bosh Hurts Hamstring While Golfing
There isn’t any read word on how it occurred, but it’s bad enough that Bosh has been seen limping, and there is also word that he could miss the start of training camp.
Bosh doesn’t mind missing a bit of camp, and this isn’t anything you or Toronto should worry about, either.
Julian Wright to Start Over Peja Stojakovic?
Coach Byron Scott has discussed starting Wright over the former King to help keep Stojakovic healthy, as well as give the Hornets more depth off their bench.
That’s great, but what about the starting line-up?
Wright is seen as strictly a small forward heading into 2009, and while he has loads of potential and good athleticism, it’s unclear quite yet if he’s truly ready to be a starter in the NBA.
Raymond Felton Signs Qualifying Offer With Bobcats
This is just prolonging the inevitable.
Felton is good enough to keep D.J. Augustin (one of Larry Brown’s favies) away from the starting line-up, but he’s probably a goner come next off-season.
He knows how to lead a team and is an effective starter, but it’s clear that Brown prefers Augustin. Expect more of a timeshare at the point like we saw near the end of last season.