Damian Lillard

Central Notes: Beasley, Bell, Vucevic, Lillard

November 19th, 2024 at 7:05pm CST by Dana Gauruder

If the Pistons decide to deal Malik Beasley this season, he’s done nothing but enhance his value with his sharp start. Playing on a one-year, $6MM contract he signed as a free agent, Beasley is averaging 15.4 points in 28.8 minutes per game while shooting 39.3% beyond the arc.

“He’s made everybody’s job easier,” head coach J.B. Bickerstaff told Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. “When he provides that space and guys have to account for him, defenses have to shift. He’s been tremendous not just in his shot making, I don’t want to just limit him to that. His spirit, his energy, his leadership and then his commitment on the defensive end has been great as well. He’s one of those guys that’s been invaluable to this group because he helps them in so many different ways.”

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Jordan Bell, who was playing for the Pacers’ G League team, will miss the rest of the season due to a left knee injury that will require surgery, Dustin Dopirak of the Indianapolis Star tweets. Bell was injured on Friday while playing for the Indiana Mad Ants. Bell, who also spent part of the last two seasons with the Mad Ants, was the 38th overall pick in the 2017 draft, playing the first two seasons of his career with the Warriors and winning a championship with the team in 2018.
Nikola Vucevic has gotten off to a strong start. The Bulls center is averaging 20.7 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists per night, including a season-high 29 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a win at Detroit on Monday. “He looks like an All-Star,” point guard Josh Giddey told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “He’s been playing unbelievable for us. He’s carrying such a heavy load offensively, and he’s being asked to do a lot. He’s doing that at a very high level, night in and night out. There aren’t many off-nights for Vooch. He’s a true professional and he’s been doing this for a long time. He understands the right way to play. Very fun guy to play with for me. He’s a threat from behind the arc, plays in the pocket, very cerebral player.” Vucevic is in the second season of a three-year, $60MM contract, which could make him a target at the trade deadline.
Damian Lillard missed three games after entering concussion protocol. The Bucks star guard struggled in his return on Monday but made the game-winning layup against the Rockets, Eric Nehm of The Athletic notes. Lillard made just 6-of-18 shots for 18 points, but he still managed to dish out 10 assists. “I think he’s one of the best to ever do it — like finishing the game — and as a leader, you gotta give (him the ball),” Giannis Antetokounmpo said. “It’s easy for me to say I have the ball and go all the way, but at the end of the day, I’m a leader that wants to win. … Dame is a great closer. So you gotta find Dame and you gotta put the ball in his hand for him to make a decision.”

Bucks Notes: Middleton, Rollins, Lillard, Giannis

November 13th, 2024 at 7:23pm CST by Arthur Hill

Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Khris Middleton is still “progressing,” but there’s no indication of when he might make his season debut, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter link). Speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s game, Rivers said there haven’t been any setbacks that are extending Middleton’s absence.

“He’s just progressing and going along,” Rivers said. “I mean, I don’t know what the return date was or that there was one set, so what we’re doing is getting him healthy so that when he’s ready to play, he’s ready to play.”

The 33-year-old swingman, who is recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles, was able to take part in a three-on-three scrimmage last week and the team is hoping to advance him to five-on-five. He would be a welcome addition to the lineup after Milwaukee’s 3-8 start, but Rivers said any decision on his availability will be made by team doctors.

“As I’ve jokingly said a million times, Doc’s a nickname. And I don’t really know,” he added. “I just check in with the medical team and they tell me the same stuff. He’s getting there. He’s getting closer. And basically, I relay the same stuff to you. I don’t get involved as I’ve told you many times. I just don’t think it’s a great place for a coach to be. … I check in with Khris and guys that are injured about how they’re feeling, more human stuff, because Khris wants to play. And he’s frustrated that he’s not … And that’s how it works for a coach, it’s more about the mental stuff, the mental health, than anything else.”

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Ryan Rollins, who signed a two-way contract over the summer, made his first career start Tuesday night, per Jim Owczarski of The Journal-Sentinel. Rollins posted 12 points and five steals, but had to leave the game after reinjuring his bruised left shoulder. “That’s like the story of my life,” he said. “It’s always something. I mean, I can’t complain about it. I’m going to just keep working, keep getting better. It’s not really a serious injury, so I’ll be back next game anyways. It is always something for me, but I’ll always work through it regardless.”
Damian Lillard will miss his second straight game tonight after being placed in concussion protocol, Owczarski adds in a separate story. Rivers said his star guard passed “most” of the return-to-play tests on Tuesday night, but woke up this morning with a headache.
Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic believes Giannis Antetokounmpo should stay in Milwaukee, but he notes that his situation will provide the first real test of how superstars navigate the new apron rules.

Central Notes: Lillard, Cavs, Atkinson, Garland, Ball

November 12th, 2024 at 7:40am CST by Luke Adams

Bucks point guard Damian Lillard has entered the NBA’s concussion protocol and will miss Tuesday’s game vs. Toronto, the team announced (Twitter link via Tim Bontemps of ESPN).

Sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link) that Lillard was hit in the head near the end of the third quarter of Sunday’s game against Boston. After he experienced headaches and dizziness on Monday, testing confirmed he has a concussion.

It’s possible Lillard will be able to return in time for Wednesday’s game vs. Detroit, Haynes says, but he’ll have to pass all the tests in the concussion protocol in order to receive medical clearance. That process often takes at least a few days.

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The Cavaliers pushed their season-opening win streak to a dozen games with a win over Chicago on Monday, becoming the first team to start a season 12-0 or better since the 2015/16 Warriors (who went 24-0). “It’s great. We’re playing well, vibes are good, but we have to continue to be this team,” star guard Donovan Mitchell said, according to Jamal Collier of ESPN. “That’s been my message to the guys in the locker room. This is great. We’re going to get teams’ best shots. We’re going to get tested early, but are we going to continue? And I never — no doubt we will — but that’s been my thing. Are we going to continue to be this team January, February, March, April? I think the guys all feel it, but it’s great to enjoy these moments too while you’re still having a humble approach to it.”
In a subscriber-only story for Cleveland.com, Chris Fedor takes a look at how new head coach Kenny Atkinson‘s creativity and experimentation has helped spur the Cavaliers‘ early-season success. Meanwhile, Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today explores how reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week Darius Garland has rediscovered his joy and love for the game this fall under Atkinson.
Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball, who is recovering from a right wrist sprain, is out of his brace and will begin dribbling in the coming days to see how the wrist responds, head coach Billy Donovan said on Monday, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. “I do think he has some soreness, (and) certainly it’s been a slow progression for him,” Donovan said. “But he has gotten better.”

Heat Notes: Adebayo, Richardson, Lillard, Love, Robinson

November 3rd, 2024 at 8:43pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Bam Adebayo erupted offensively during the Heat‘s game against Washington in Mexico City on Saturday. Adebayo poured in 32 points after averaging only 11 points in the first four games. Adebayo said his teammates were determined to get him the ball, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald.

“My teammates got me going from the jump,” Adebayo said. “We’re pros, man. Once we see the ball go in a couple times, it becomes like an ocean. Then you just get in a flow and you just get locked in, and it just feels like the ball is going to go in every time for you.”

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Josh Richardson played 16 minutes in his season debut on Saturday and didn’t score. Richardson, who has been battling shoulder, heel and calf injuries, had one assist and a rebound. “Great to be back out there. Lot of rust to knock off, but I’m grateful!” Richardson tweeted.
Could the Heat make another run at Damian Lillard, as they did in the summer of 2023? Ira Winderman of the Miami Herald believes that could happen if Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo requests a trade. Winderman also anticipates the price tag for Lillard would be reduced, compared to the package Portland was seeking last year, given the guard’s age and contract.
Kevin Love could make his season debut on Monday. The veteran forward is listed as available after missing the first five games due to personal reasons, Winderman tweets. Duncan Robinson, who missed the game in Mexico City for personal reasons, will also be available for Miami’s contest against Sacramento.

Bucks Notes: Losing Streak, Giannis, Lillard, Middleton

November 1st, 2024 at 9:00am CST by Rory Maher

The Bucks lost their fourth straight game on Thursday night in dispiriting fashion. Facing a Memphis team playing on the second of a back-to-back with six players sidelined, including starters Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, the Bucks — who had two days off and a practice leading into contest — struggled once again to make outside shots and to get back for transition defense following those misfires, writes Jim Owczarski of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo was one of the few bright spots for the Bucks, finishing with 37 points (on 17-of-22 shooting), 11 rebounds and four assists. The Bucks were even with Memphis during Antetokounmpo’s 34 minutes, and were outscored by 24 points in the 14 minutes he didn’t play. He said the early-season struggles have been “frustrating.”

“Losing, it’s frustrating,” Antetokounmpo said. “But we are doing the right things. Like (Wednesday) night we arrived in Memphis and we came together as a team, watched film. Not as eight, nine guys that play. We watched film, we talk about, like what can we do better? What we’re not doing as good, let’s keep one another accountable. We’re doing the right thing.

“Coming (Thursday) in shootaround and talking about it, talking about our offense, talking about our defense. Everybody is doing the right thing. I see it in everybody’s eyes. They’re willing to do the right thing to win games and sometimes it’s not going to go your way.

“This is part of the season it’s not going our way. But, losing two, losing three, losing four, losing five, losing six in row; losing one, it’s always frustrating. But, again, my dad used to say, ‘Why do (you) whine if you’re not going to give up?’ So I’m not going to give up.”

Here’s more on the Bucks:

Damian Lillard will be looking to move past a woeful night in Memphis, Owczarski notes, as the star point guard finished with just four points (tied for a career low) on 1-of-12 shooting. He was also repeatedly targeted by the Grizzlies on defense, tweets NBA analyst Zach Lowe. Lillard said he’s still trying to figure out how to make his mark in his second season with Milwaukee. “It’s hard, because I mean my entire career I’ve always been somebody who, like, if I can do one thing I can take over. I can take over a game,” Lillard said, per Owczarski. “I think I’ve joined a new team and my situation is different and I understand that it’s different, so I have to try to find a way to not just go back to what I’ve always done because it’s probably not always necessary. Or probably not necessary at all. So I think that’s probably the most difficult part is when things seem like it’s getting out of control or the going is getting tough, I’m able to put my hands on it a little bit more. I think just not really being in that role is a little bit more difficult. It’s more of a process to figure out for me.”
According to Owczarski, while head coach Doc Rivers was pleased with the team’s “spirit,” he was not happy with the transition or perimeter defense, with Ja Morant (26 points, 10 rebounds, 14 assists) proving to be a major problem. “… The defensive transition was still awful tonight,” Rivers said as part of a larger quote. “And, so that’s on me. Like, everything’s on me until we get it right. We’ve got to fix this.”
Although he has yet to play 5-on-5, which Rivers has said is necessary before he can make his 2024/25 debut, veteran wing Khris Middleton told Eric Nehm of The Athletic he hasn’t experienced any injury setbacks following offseason surgeries on both ankles. “I feel good, just not good enough to play that’s all,” Middleton said. “That’s really all I can say at this point. And just working to get back on the court. I’m feeling better and better each day just not good enough to play yet.“
Lowe (Twitter links) and Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports are among the analysts raising red flags following Milwaukee’s poor start, though both acknowledge it’s still very early, with plenty of time for the Bucks to turn things around.

Central Notes: Bulls, Vucevic, Haliburton, Lillard

October 28th, 2024 at 8:59am CST by Arthur Hill

Coach Billy Donovan believes the offseason addition of Josh Giddey and the return of Lonzo Ball provide the Bulls with the weapons to play at a much faster pace, writes Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. The biggest problem with that strategy in the early season is the team can’t hold on to the ball.

Chicago had 26 turnovers in Saturday’s loss to Oklahoma City after losing the ball 21 times in the season opener at New Orleans. They did much better in their only victory, limiting turnovers to 10 while beating Milwaukee.

“We’ve got to bring them way back down,” Giddey said. “Guys’ hearts are in the right place. We’re trying to play the right way, the way we want to play. … The way we want to play, up and down, there’s going to be turnovers. But it just cannot be as many as (we’ve had).”

The biggest culprit so far has been Zach LaVine, who seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch but is struggling to protect the ball. Against OKC, he committed seven turnovers for the second time this season.

“I’ve got to take responsibility for that,” he said. “That’s two games I’ve had seven, and (against the Thunder) was just unforced. It’s not like they did anything.”

There’s more from the Central Division:

A new emphasis on the pick-and-pop has seemed to unlock Nikola Vucevic‘s outside shot, observes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. After shooting a career-low 29.4% from three-point range last season, the Bulls center is 7-of-13 from beyond the arc through three games.
Tyrese Haliburton admitted that he doesn’t feel like himself after the Pacers‘ loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. The All-Star guard is shooting 31.8% from the floor and 20% from three-point range, and he’s averaging just 3.7 assists per game after leading the NBA in that category last season. “We’re working through things,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “We want to play faster with more aggression, more speed, urgency. So far, we’ve had some challenges and we have to continue to work through them.”
Appearing on the Knuckleheads podcast (video link), Bucks guard Damian Lillard said he and Giannis Antetokounmpo need to be able to communicate openly on the court to reach a championship level. “Me and him got to be able to hold each other accountable, and that don’t mean yelling at each other all the time,” Lillard explained. “It just means, like, I got to be able to say something to you, and you got to be able to say something to me at all times.”

Central Notes: Lillard, Nembhard, Thompson

October 23rd, 2024 at 5:51pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Bucks All-Star point guard Damian Lillard is gearing up for his second season in Milwaukee, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic. The 6’2″ vet had a disappointing start to his tenure with the team in 2023/24.

The 34-year-old, on the cusp of his 13th season officially tipping off Wednesday, reflected on his reputation around the league and spoke about how winning a title alongside All-NBA Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo could affect his legacy.

“You would think if I won it, there would be nothing that they could say, but I think people know how f—ing good I am,” Lillard said. “People know — at least the people who know what they’re watching — or I wouldn’t have been on the 75th anniversary team. If you’re talking about fans and people that are on TV just randomly saying their opinion, it’s like, ‘All right.’”

There’s more out of the Central Division:

Versatile Pacers combo guard Andrew Nembhard, who signed an extension with the team this offseason, has been happy to slot in as an jack-of-all-trades role player in Indiana, toggling between the bench and the starting lineup throughout his two seasons thus far, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star (subscriber link). “He’s our Swiss Army knife. He can play point guard when Ty [Tyrese Haliburton] is getting pressured,” reserve guard T.J. McConnell said. “He can be the two. He can even be the three and he can guard any position. He’s been incredible and he continues to get better.”
Second-year Pistons wing Ausar Thompson has been ruled out for the club’s 2024/25 regular season opener Wednesday night as he continues his comeback from a blood clot that ended his rookie season prematurely, per Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press (Twitter link). Detroit is still waiting for official clearance from the league regarding when Thompson will be permitted to return to action, Sankofa tweets. The 6’7″ swingman appeared in 63 contests for Detroit, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
In case you missed it, the Bulls opted not to sign newly acquired point guard Josh Giddey to a contract extension in time for the preseason deadline. He will become a restricted free agent next summer.

Central Notes: Drummond, Pistons, Bucks, Rivers, Garland, Carlisle

October 18th, 2024 at 11:39pm CST by Luke Adams

Sixers center Andre Drummond spent the first seven-and-a-half seasons of his NBA career in Detroit, earning a pair of All-Star nods and leading the league in rebounding four times during his tenure with the Pistons. Even though the team only made the playoffs twice during that time and was swept out of the first round in both instances, Drummond looks back fondly on his stint with the franchise and hopes to eventually return.

“I call Detroit home to this day,” Drummond said on the Run Your Race podcast (YouTube link). “I still have a house in Detroit, just because of the connection that I have with the city. I feel like I became a man in that city. … I grew up so much there. I met some of my best friends there. I built a relationship with the fanbase and the community in Detroit.

“I’ve always said it, I want to finish my career there. The year I’m trying to retire, I want to finish in Detroit. Because that’s where I started and I want to finish there.”

Drummond is the second all-time rebounder in Pistons history, behind only Bill Laimbeer. He also ranks third in blocked shots on the franchise leaderboard.

Here’s more from around the Central:

Sam Amick of The Athletic spoke to Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard and head coach Doc Rivers to get a sense of why the team is confident it will be better in 2024/25 than it was in ’23/24. “This year, a challenge for me is to be healthy,” Antetokounmpo said. “A challenge for me is to play in the playoffs, to get out of the f—ing first round. Assert myself even more. Every year for me is important because one day, I’m going to be 35 or 36 or 38 and I’m going to be like, ‘Oh, my prime just went, and I wasn’t able to do something.’ So dominate.”
In a separate interview with Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Rivers spoke about his enthusiasm for the upcoming season with the Bucks and defended his coaching record, pointing out that he’s constantly been in situations where he knows he’ll be criticized for anything less than a championship. “If you look at my path since leaving Boston, I’ve intentionally put myself in win-or-failure positions, knowing that in a lot of cases that if we fail, it’s on me,” Rivers said. “But if I’ve learned anything from my journey with Boston and how long it took me as a coach to get there, I want that position more than the, ‘Well, we can be fifth seed if some things go right’ position.”
After a trying 2023/24 season that included the death of his grandmother and a broken jaw that left him drinking out of a straw for weeks, Cavaliers guard Darius Garland says his “joy is back” ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Chris Fedor has the story in a subscriber-only feature for Cleveland.com.
A resolution has been reached in a civil lawsuit filed by former agent Jarinn Akana against Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, reports Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Akana alleged that Carlisle breached their contract by refusing to pay the full commission owed to the agent as a result of his 2018 extension with the Mavericks. A trial had been scheduled for April 28, 2025, but that court date will be avoided as a result of the resolution (the terms of which are confidential).

Eastern Notes: Stewart, Raptors, Dick, Lillard, Martin

October 4th, 2024 at 11:15pm CST by Luke Adams

The Pistons‘ usage of Isaiah Stewart in recent years – and the players they’ve put around him – reflected the fact that they viewed him as a power forward rather than a center. Detroit used a lottery pick on center Jalen Duren in 2022 and encouraged Stewart to shoot more from outside. While the big man has gamely accepted that role, making a career-best 1.5 three-pointers per game last season on 38.3% shooting, he couldn’t hide his enthusiasm this week about playing more at the five, his preferred position, writes Omari Sankofa II of The Detroit Free Press.

“(New head coach) J.B. (Bickerstaff) loves my physicality and me playing strong down low, like in my early years in the league with my offensive rebounding and stuff like that,” Stewart said. “I spent a lot of time this offseason at the five and I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to getting back down in the paint, banging and doing what I do because at the end of the day, that’s what I love to do. That’s who I am.

“Playing the four, that was something that I had to work on and add to my game because I was being asked of it. Now I’m happy I get to play some five.”

As Sankofa explains, there are a few factors contributing to the Pistons’ desire to have Stewart spend more time at center this season. The arrival of power forward Tobias Harris is one. Stewart also has the ability to make more of an impact as a rebounder and rim protector if he’s spending more time in the paint.

As excited as he is about spending more time at center, the 23-year-old stressed that he’s willing to play wherever the team needs him.

“I don’t mind at all playing the four, because it’s something I can do,” Stewart said. “I can knock down the 3-point shot, I can space the floor, but we all know it’s something that’s new to me. … The four, it ain’t nothing wrong with it. But me, I love to bang. I love to be physical. I love to set the tone. I love to set great screens for my teammates. I like playing the five. But I don’t mind at all playing the four. I can do both.”

Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:

While Bruce Brown would’ve been an option to start at shooting guard for the Raptors if he were healthy, Michael Grange of Sportsnet views second-year sharpshooter Gradey Dick as the most logical candidate for that spot. As Grange outlines, besides looking like a good fit for spacing purposes, Dick is Toronto’s most recent lottery pick and has the potential to raise the club’s long-term ceiling if he develops into a reliable starter.
In interviews with Alex Squadron of SLAM and Melissa Rohlin of FOX Sports, Bucks point guard Damian Lillard spoke about why he’s optimistic about the upcoming season in Milwaukee after going through what he called the “toughest year of my life” on both a personal and professional level last season. “I think a lot of times people talk about revenge seasons, it’s like they’re going out for blood with everybody else,” Lillard told Rohlin. “But I think it’s the revenge of something I need to go take back for me, not for anybody else. I know what went into last season. And I know what goes into me being my best. That’s all I’m focusing on.”
Hornets forward Cody Martin sustained a laceration on his thumb and sprained his right wrist while attempting to block a shot at the rim in training camp, the team announced today (via Twitter). It doesn’t sound like either injury is considered serious – he’s listed as day-to-day – but Martin has been ruled out of Charlotte’s preseason opener.

Bucks Notes: Lillard, Giannis, Free Agent Signings, Middleton

October 2nd, 2024 at 8:01pm CST by Arthur Hill

After the Bucks traded for Damian Lillard late in September of 2023, there were only a few days for him and Giannis Antetokounmpo to get acquainted before the start of training camp. There’s hope that a year of playing together will help the two stars push the team back into title contention, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

“I think now we’re in a very, very good place,” Antetokounmpo said. “Before, we never had a player like him. It’s just something that slowly, slowly with time you understand. It’s definitely hard when I’m 29 and he’s 34 at this moment of our careers to kind of change the habits you’ve created, but if you want to win, you have to do so. I think we both — me, him and the rest of our team — are willing to do whatever it takes to win.”

After Milwaukee’s first-round playoff exit, Antetokounmpo told reporters that he planned to travel to Portland during the offseason to spend some time with Lillard. Antetokounmpo’s summer was filled with recovering from a left calf strain that forced him to miss the playoff series, representing Greece in the Olympics, and getting married. The Portland trip never happened, but Lillard told reporters at media day that their level of communication is fine.

“I think subconsciously, we are who we are because of how stubborn we are and how much we believe in what we believe,” Lillard said. “And I’ve never played with a player of his level. He’s never played with a point guard like me. So I think it just took time for it to get to this point where I’m going to say what I need to say to you and it doesn’t have to be negative or like I’m coming at you, but I can say it, know that you’re going to take it as what I think the best thing is and vice versa.”

There’s more from Milwaukee:

One of Doc Rivers’ first ideas after taking over as head coach in late January was to have his players travel somewhere for this week’s training camp, Nehm adds. They’re at the University of California-Irvine in an effort to build team unity. “I think it’s important that they’ll be riding in the car together to and from practice, going to dinners, spending time,” Rivers said. “I wish it was longer, honestly. … But from a team standpoint, the longer they’re together, (the better). It’s nice that our first game is on the road, so it kind of extends it, you know? No families. No friends around. Just us. I think that’s good for our team.”
General manager Jon Horst believes the Bucks’ reputation around the league helped them attract Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Delon Wright, who all came to Milwaukee on veteran’s minimum contracts, per Jim Owczarski of the Journal Sentinel. “It’s really a credit to those players for choosing us,” Horst said. “They weren’t short of options, and in most cases, honestly, they chose less money to come play for us for a chance to win and for a chance to really compete and improve their careers.”
For a team that’s used to being part of the Christmas Day showcase, it was surprising to see the Bucks left off this year’s schedule, notes Jamal Collier of ESPN. The snub was a topic of conversation as players gathered for media day. “I think, somewhat, we’ve been overlooked,” Khris Middleton said. “We should have had a Christmas Day game, I believe. But the NBA felt different. I don’t need that as extra motivation … but disappointed a little bit.”
Middleton continues to make progress following offseason surgery on both ankles, Owczarski tweets. “Everybody’s healthy. Nobody’s limited,” Rivers said after the second day of camp. “Khris did a lot, nothing live, but he did everything else. He even did a couple little live drills. He kind of slipped in there on us, so all good there.”

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