The injury bug has already hit several NBA players, and training camp has just begun. Several players reportedly recently suffered some ailments over the past day or two. Cleveland Cavaliers’ center Jarrett Allen appears to have suffered the most severe injury.
NBA Rumors: Jarrett Allen May Miss Start of Season, Bojan Bogdanovic Among Others Dealing With Injuries
Allen may miss the start of the season as he suffered a left ankle bone bruise during practice this past week, according to the Cavaliers. The Cavaliers said that Allen will begin undergoing treatment, go through rehabilitation, and be reevaluated in two weeks.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 7, 2023
Allen’s was a big reason Cleveland posted its best record, without LeBron James, in years. Despite his per-game numbers being down from the 2021-22 campaign, Allen produced a career season as he appeared in 68 games — which was 12 more than the previous season. The 2022 NBA All-Star, who posted 32 double-doubles, also received votes for NBA All-Defense team last year, marking the third time in the past four seasons he has done so. The Cavaliers were 44-24 in the games that Allen played and just 7-7 without him.
Cleveland opens the regular season in Brooklyn on October 25. Thus, Allen could be available for the game, given the Cavaliers’ announcement.
Cavaliers Options If Allen Misses Regular Season Games
If Allen is unavailable at the beginning of the season, the Cavs have options at center. The Cavs could start either of their backup centers, Tristan Thompson or Damian Jones. Both players have starting experience, though Thompson last played in an NBA regular season game in 2021-22.
Another option is that Evan Mobley could slide over from power forward like he did often last year. Mobley made several starts at center last year and spent nearly as much time at the five as he did the four. If Mobley does start at center, then would go with a smaller lineup.
Max Strus is projected to be the lone new starter for the Cavaliers this year. Although the Cavs could decide to go with Caris LeVert at small forward, meaning Strus would come off the bench.
That leaves coach JB Bickerstaff with three options at the four: Dean Wade, Isaac Okoro, and Georges Niang.
Bojan Bogdanovic to Miss Sometime In Preseason
Detroit Pistons forward Bojan Bogdanovic sustained a low-grade right calf strain, the team announced on Saturday.
Pistons announce that Bogey suffered a low-grade calf strain, won’t play tomorrow pic.twitter.com/7cm0jrBzjz
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) October 7, 2023
With the announcement of Bogdanovic’s injury time frame of re-evaluation, the injury doesn’t seem too serious. But will have to wait to see. However, with Isaiah Livers out at least for the month of the season with a sprained ankle, any time Bogdanovic misses would hurt the Pistons’ forward depth.
Bogdanovic will miss the Pistons’ first two pre-season games. Detroit plays Phoenix today and Thursday’s contest against Oklahoma City.
The two injuries leave Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, and Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III as the Pistons only frontcourt players on the 15-man roster. Jontay Porter is in training camp on an Exhibit 10 contract, while Joe Harris and Ausar Thompson can play the four in emergency situations.
Other Injury News
Toronto Raptors forward Precious Achiuwa is dealing with a left groin strain and will miss today’s preseason clash with the Sacramento Kings. However, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic referred to the injury as “minor” and indicated the team is playing it safe with the big man.
Darko called it a “minor” groin strain for Achiuwa and said they’re just playing it safe with him in camp. Doesn’t sound like he’ll be out long.
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 7, 2023
Memphis Grizzlies starting point guard Marcus Smart is dealing with some minor abdominal soreness, according to Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Per Grizzlies spokesperson, Marcus Smart will not participate in preseason open practice. Minor abdominal soreness. Not expected to miss any regular season time. Grizzlies being cautious
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) October 7, 2023
While the Griz are being cautious, Smart is not expected to miss any time in the regular season.
James Bouknight’s Setback
Charlotte Hornets guard James Bouknight has been diagnosed with a left knee sprain, per the team. The severity of the injury isn’t yet known, but it is a big blow to Bouknight, today’s who is fighting to make the team. Bouknight will miss some time in the preseason.
UPDATE: @hornets G James Bouknight suffered a sprained left knee during training camp and will not participate in todays Purple and Teal Fan Event. Updates on his status will be provided as appropriate.
— Charlotte Hornets PR (@HornetsPR) October 7, 2023
Bouknight has struggled since being tabbed with the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft. The 23-year-old has appeared in 65 games over the last two seasons, though he has compiled 5.6 points and a shooting slashing of .353/.316/.770.
Bouknight also struggled shooting during Summer League action. He scored in double-figures in four of his six games, including pouring in 28 in the Hornets’ final game in Las Vegas. However, Bouknight shot only 38.4% from the field and 23.1% from the 3-point line.
Bouknight is owed $4.5 million this year. While his spot on the Hornets 15-man roster is not guaranteed, it appears Bouknight will make the club. Unless Edmond Sumner or R.J. Hunter, both having Exhibit 9 deals, really impress the club. Or the Hornets find someone on the waiver wire after teams make cuts, which is unlikely.
The Hornets only have 15 players on standard contracts, with 13 owning fully guaranteed deals. Frank Ntilikina ($200,000 guaranteed) and JT Thor have a nonguaranteed deal.
