The Nets will remain careful with Kevin Durant, who isn’t expected to return for another week or two, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Durant has already been sidelined for more than a month with a strained hamstring and Brooklyn doesn’t want to take any chances, considering that he recently returned from an 18-month absence caused by a ruptured Achilles.
Durant, who has missed 14 straight games, hasn’t played since February 13, and that appearance came after he sat out the previous week due to contact tracing. Lewis talked to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Laith Jazrawi, who said six weeks should be considered the minimum time needed to recover from a hamstring strain.
“It’s almost involved in every movement, every sort of twisting and cutting,” Jazrawi said. “So, it’s so hard to manage these patients, rest it or even rehab it because it’s just such a big muscle unit that resting it is almost impossible. It’s very difficult. Anytime you engage, do a sprint or cut quickly, the hamstrings fire.”
There’s more from Brooklyn:
- Kyrie Irving is excited about what the Nets can be with the eventual return of Durant and the addition of Blake Griffin, writes Ryan Dunleavy of The New York Post. Griffin is listed as probable to make his debut with Brooklyn today and will be on a minutes restriction, tweets Malika Andrews of ESPN. “It’s just high-level talent out there,” Irving said. “So, when you can just prepare for the game and go over the X’s and O’s, you can look to your left and right and know the guys next to you have your back and you’re able to play at a high level offensively and defensively and make an impact. I look forward to it, for sure. As a competitor wanting to be on the main stage, we want all our guys healthy.”
- After bouncing around the league for a couple of seasons, Tyler Johnson seems to have found a home as a three-point specialist in Brooklyn, writes Chris Milholen of NetsDaily. Johnson only plays about 15 minutes per night, but he’s connecting on a career-best 41.8% beyond the arc. “The shooting is the cherry on top but the rest of the stuff is what we love about Tyler,” coach Steve Nash said. “Just the competition, fight and energy.”
- Alex Schiffer of The Athletic doesn’t expect general manager Sean Marks to be busy leading up to the trade deadline because the Nets don’t have many draft picks or young players left to offer. Schiffer believes the team will concentrate more on the buyout market and sees JaVale McGee as a better addition than Andre Drummond if both are bought out by the Cavaliers.
Sean Marks is playing 2k on rookie difficulty at this point
I don’t see JaVale McGee getting bought out. He has rejected it and it doesn’t make a lot of sense considering his cap value is $4.2M. He’s either going to be traded or going to play out the season as Allen’s backup. The Nets can fit that contract in Spencer Dinwiddie’s DPE. A second round pick may be enough to pry him from the Cavs, but I could see them insisting on Reggie Perry over a future second rounder.
If Cleveland doesn’t get a moon-offer like Perry/2nd McGee stays put. Drummond is definitely gone by next Thursday or bought out. Cavs need a back-up center. Compensation required
Nets should trade Dinwiddie to someone, and JJ Redick would be a nice addition to the roster.
If NOLA gets Dinwiddie in trade, they’d be able Lonzo Ball, and they could start looking for a way to deal Bledsoe, if they can.
Pelicans would have to throw in a 1st for Dinwiddie. Reddick isn’t a rotation player,(situation possibly) and I am not convinced he is any better than Tyler Johnson at this point.
Nets r unstoppable it is unfair
except their best player is out with a mysterious injury following an acl tear. but sure….
Yeah n it really seem to be slowing them down as Harden puts up 40 ez. When KD come back they will actually be unstoppable.
Do u actually watch basketball or u just on IG looking at their shoes r somethin. Seem like u know the names but not the game. Jw.
So Harden, Kyrie, and Bruce Brown are going to win a ring without KD is what you’re saying?
That’s asinine but I respect your right to have an opinion.
N joe Harris ya and kd will be back he isn’t gone forever
Nets are dangerous and deep. But they still need more Defense. A guy like Noel would shore that team up. They can use D at the wing or a big. They do that. They will be hard to beat.
They need to know KD is 100%. I’m not sure I trust his legs yet.
Disagree w you knickerbocker. When u can score more pts than any other team u dont rly need defense, just 2 score again.
That works in the season. In the playoffs you have to make stops. You play same team seven times. Unless you are winning by ten every game. Games come down to possessions most times between two good teams. You don’t have to play great D. But you gotta make stops in last 3 mins.