Jazz forward Joe Johnson has been diagnosed with tendon instability in his right wrist, and is expected to be sidelined for Utah’s next several games, the team announced today in a press release. According to the Jazz, Johnson will be reevaluated in two weeks.
Johnson, who is in the second and final year of his contract with the Jazz, is off to a slow start this season. While the sample size is very small, Johnson is putting up career-worst numbers so far in PPG (6.3), FG% (.391), and 3PT% (.118). He’ll look to improve those marks once he gets back on the court, which may happen later this month.
In Johnson’s absence, regulars like Joe Ingles, Rodney Hood, Donovan Mitchell, and Thabo Sefolosha could see their minutes increase slightly. Since Johnson has spent most of the year playing at either the three or four, a backup forward like Jonas Jerebko may also have an opportunity to enter the rotation.
The Jazz aren’t currently eligible to apply for a hardship exception and gain an extra roster spot, since they only have two players – Johnson and Dante Exum – on the shelf with injuries.
I wish Kings would trade for him.