SAN DIEGO — The Nets will probably be hamstrung to open the preseason, figuratively and actually.
The Nets will probably be minus at the very least 4 gamers after they tip off the preseason Tuesday towards the Clippers, with three of the 4 sidelined by hamstring accidents.
Beginning middle Nic Claxton has already been dominated out with what the Nets are terming hamstring soreness.
And although he did make the journey with them to California and so they’re claiming they’re simply being cautious with their new $97 million man, Claxton did additionally miss Thursday’s 36-minute scrimmage.
In the meantime, Claxton’s presumptive backup Day’Ron Sharpe in addition to reserve ahead Trendon Watford have been each left dwelling altogether with hamstring points.
They stayed again dwelling in Brooklyn being evaluated by medical workers. The crew is anticipated to replace their progress quickly.
Veteran Bojan Bogdanovic joined the crew in San Diego however has additionally been dominated out vs. the Clippers.
“We’re fairly near arising with an replace [on Watford and Sharpe]. However they’re not right here. Everyone else is right here,” Fernandez stated. “Nic isn’t going to play on Tuesday. However with him, it was only a matter of soreness and having him prepared to start out the season.”
Bogdanovic is the one present Web on the roster aside from Cam Thomas who has ever averaged at the very least 20 factors in a season — 20.2 with Utah in 2019-20 and 21.6 with Detroit in 2022-23.
He was even averaging 20.2 once more with the Pistons final season earlier than being shipped to the Knicks on the commerce deadline.
After having surgical procedures on each his left foot and wrist in April, the 35-year-old remains to be restricted to doing particular person work and has not been cleared for contact but.
“He’s doing nice. We’re very proud of how the method goes,” Fernandez stated of Bogdanovic. “He’s been across the crew, as a result of I feel it’s essential that he builds the connection. He works, everyone sees him round. … He’s not going to be prepared to start out.”
The Nets nonetheless have one open two-way spot left. Fernandez was noncommittal about whether or not they plan to fill it anytime quickly, or wait to see what gamers are lower from different groups on the finish of camp.
“It’s a fairly good query. It’ll most likely be a query for Sean [Marks] greater than me,” stated Fernandez of the overall supervisor. “On the similar time, we clearly talk daily, and we’ve guys combating for that spot. And we’re very proud of these guys. However finally I’d say he must reply that query.”
Amari Bailey, Tyrese Martin and Killian Hayes are on Exhibit 10 offers — i.e., coaching camp invitations — however Hayes isn’t eligible for the open two-way spot.
Fernandez was noticed doing push-ups close to the top of apply.
“It’s simply having enjoyable. We’re working onerous each single day, however you’ve obtained to take pleasure in this,” stated Dennis Schroder. “Generally, you play slightly gamers towards coaches about taking pictures. After we win, they should do push-ups. If we lose, we’re doing push-ups.”
