SAN DIEGO — The Nets might be hamstrung to open the preseason, figuratively and actually.
The Nets might be minus at the least 4 gamers once they tip off the preseason Tuesday in opposition to 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 though 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 had been each left dwelling altogether with hamstring points.
They stayed again dwelling in Brooklyn being evaluated by medical employees. The crew is predicted 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. All people else is right here,” Fernandez stated. “Nic is just not going to play on Tuesday. However with him, it was only a matter of soreness and having him prepared to begin the season.”
Bogdanovic is the one present Web on the roster apart from Cam Thomas who has ever averaged at the 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 continues to be restricted to doing particular person work and has not been cleared for contact but.
“He’s doing nice. We’re very pleased with how the method goes,” Fernandez stated of Bogdanovic. “He’s been across the crew, as a result of I believe it’s crucial that he builds the connection. He works, all people sees him round. … He’s not going to be prepared to begin.”
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 minimize from different groups on the finish of camp.
“It’s a reasonably good query. It’ll most likely be a query for Sean [Marks] greater than me,” stated Fernandez of the overall supervisor. “On the identical time, we clearly talk day-after-day, and we have now guys preventing for that spot. And we’re very pleased with 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 follow.
“It’s simply having enjoyable. We’re working arduous each single day, however you’ve received to take pleasure in this,” stated Dennis Schroder. “Generally, you play somewhat gamers in opposition to coaches about taking pictures. After we win, they need to do push-ups. If we lose, we’re doing push-ups.”
