Portland Path Blazers heart Robert Williams III and wing Shaedon Sharpe will each be sidelined for weeks on account of accidents sustained throughout coaching camp.
Williams, who had surgical procedure on his proper knee final November and missed all however six video games throughout the 2023-24 season, suffered a setback in his return to the court docket, the crew introduced Friday. Early in camp, Williams strained his left hamstring, and he shall be re-evaluated in two weeks.
In principle, Williams could possibly be out there initially of the common season. That’s not the case for Sharpe, who appeared in 32 video games final season earlier than having surgical procedure in February to handle a core muscle harm. At camp, the 21-year-old Sharpe “suffered a small posterior labral tear in his left shoulder, an MRI confirmed this week,” in line with the Blazers. Sharpe is anticipated to be out for 4 to 6 weeks.
At apply Friday, coach Chauncey Billups sounded optimistic about Williams’ standing.”The benefit of it, although, is it has nothing to do, clearly, together with his knee, which is sweet,” he advised reporters. “And to me, when you have not performed in that lengthy and also you begin pushing and pushing, , you open your self as much as [injuries to] hammys and groins. So it sucks, nevertheless it’s nonetheless optimistic, ? I am OK with that.”
Billups mentioned that Williams did not harm himself on a selected play. “I believe it was simply the depth of the exercise,” he mentioned. He added that he has been happy with how Williams has approached the return-to-play program: “I am simply so blissful he is been so centered, man. He is at all times right here early. He by no means misses remedy. And that is form of totally different for Rob, ? I am pleased with Rob, man. I am pleased with him. It sucks for him that he is down only for somewhat bit, however he’ll be nice.”
At media day on Sep. 30, Williams advised reporters that it had been “a protracted seven months, a protracted battle again,” however he felt “able to get again on the market and present what I can do.” Portland normal supervisor Joe Cronin advised reporters that very same day that Williams had been enjoying 5-on-5 for “the final three or so weeks,” and whereas he hadn’t been “absolutely, absolutely cleared but, so far as like with none restrictions or limitations,” he had been “actually energetic on the court docket” and would proceed ramping up throughout coaching camp. It isn’t nice information that this ramp-up must be placed on maintain, however, so far as setbacks go, this specific one — a grade 1 hamstring pressure, not within the leg that required surgical procedure final yr — seems to be comparatively minor.
Williams, who turns 27 this month, was acquired from the Boston Celtics within the Jrue Vacation commerce simply earlier than final season’s coaching camp. When wholesome, he is among the league’s greatest rim protectors and lob threats. In 2022, he had two surgical procedures on his left knee. In his absence, there shall be extra minutes out there for No. 7 choose Donovan Clingan and reserve massive Duop Reath. Portland is anticipated begin Deandre Ayton at heart, and it’s not precisely bereft of frontcourt depth.
Sharpe advised reporters at media day that he was 100% wholesome and “actually excited for the season,” including that he felt he was “rolling” earlier than he acquired harm. Sharpe was drafted No. 7 total in 2022; he and Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 choose in 2023, are anticipated to be the franchise’s backcourt of the longer term. Whereas he is on the shelf, there could possibly be extra alternatives for guard Dalano Banton, who shined for the shorthanded Blazers late final season.
Portland will play the primary of its 4 preseason video games on Oct. 11 in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers, and it’ll open the common season on Oct. 23 in opposition to the Golden State Warriors.
