Training camp is finally underway while pre-season is just a few days away. News broke out about several players not being able to practice while some are finally back. It’s been a while for some to return and it’s a very good sight to see. Here is an article on some newsworthy NBA rumors going around.
Michael Porter Jr. is Finally Healthy
Porter Jr. only got through nine games last season. Despite putting up one of the more efficient seasons in recent memory the year before last, he struggled for most of the 2021-2022 NBA season. In the 2020-2021 season, he put up averages of 19 points, 7.3 boards, 1.1 dimes, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks a game on a pristine 54% from the field, 45% from three and 79% from the line. However, last season he regressed majorly. He averaged just 9.9 points, 6.6 boards, 1.9 dimes, 1.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks a game on 36% from the field, 21% from three and 56% from the line. Now that he is fully healthy coming into training camp, he can hopefully return to his 2020-2021 form. He may have some limitations early on, though. If he doesn’t, then expect him to put up some fun offensive numbers.
Jonathan Isaac Still Uncleared
Isaac has missed a ton of time the last two years. The defensive star last played in the 2019-2020 NBA season and even then, he finished with just 34 games played. That year, he averaged 11.9 points, 6.8 boards, 1.4 dimes, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 swats a game on 47% from the field, 34% from three and 78% from the line. Isaac has missed the last two years and he still has no timetable to return. If that’s not worrying enough, then who knows what is. Maybe he’ll be able to play again this year, but it’s not a sure thing. Even when he does come back, he is going to have a ton of competition for frontcourt minutes in Orlando.
TJ Warren Still Uncleared
Warren has been injured since the beginning of last year due to a stress fracture in his foot. Still without a timetable, it’s starting to get worrying. It’s not as bad a situation as Isaac’s, because at this point it’s all about conditioning. Warren only made it through four games last season and had averages of 15.5 points, 3.5 boards, 1.3 dimes, and 0.5 steals on 53% from the field and 80% from the line. Once Warren returns, this Brooklyn team could be nice considering the pieces they obtained from Philly. Warren would give them a Bonafide scorer off the bench. Hopefully, he can come back soon.
Mason Plumlee and Nick Richards are top Centers on Charlotte Depth Chart
Well, alright then. The center situation in Charlotte has been perplexing recently and this report does not change that. Coach Steve Clifford announced earlier today that Plumlee is his starter while Richards will be backing him up. Behind them are both of their first-round picks, Kai Jones and Mark Williams. Plumlee hasn’t really shown why he’s starting and neither has Richards, so this is a wild report to say the least. It won’t be too long until we see Jones finally crack the rotation. Not to mention, Williams, as he is their lottery pick this year. It’s not clear how much playing time their top two centers play this year either. One thing is for sure: Clifford doesn’t rely on young players as much as veterans, so this does not bode well for the rook and Jones.