This edition of the NBA rumors will look at news involving Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent and Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson returning. Plus, more.
NBA Rumors: Gabe Vincent Done For The Season? Jalen Johnson Returning Soon, Brandon Miller Injury, Plus More
Gabe Vincent is considering Knee Surgery
The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports that Vincent is “strongly considering” surgery to address the left knee issues that have sidelined him for most of the season. Charania said that Vincent has been rehabbing for nearly two months, but the swelling is back, and the procedure is now a real likelihood. If Vincent chooses that route, Charania added that he would need 6 to 8 weeks to recover.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent is strongly considering surgery on his left knee with a timetable of 6-to-8 weeks, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Vincent rehabbed for almost two months for return, but the swelling is back and procedure is now a real likelihood. pic.twitter.com/pIkbvXnT5G
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 24, 2023
Vincent has played just five games this season. After playing the season’s first four contests, the 27-year-old missed 24 straight games before returning on Wednesday. Vincent scored three points and doled out three dimes in 14 minutes of action in the Lakers’ 14-point loss to Chicago.
Prior to last night’s 129-120 victory over Oklahoma City, Lakers coach Darvin Ham addressed Vincent’s condition in a pre-game session with reporters. Ham said that Vincent is experiencing “a little bit of swelling” in the knee, and the team is trying to determine the best way to deal with the injury.
Darvin Ham says Gabe Vincent is experiencing “a little bit of swelling” in his left knee and the team is trying to determine the next steps in his recovery process.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 23, 2023
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin also tweeted that Vincent and his camp are committed to “exhausting all other options” before proceeding with the surgery.
Atlanta Hawks’ Jalen Johnson Could Return Tuesday
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, there is growing optimism that Johnson will return to the court when the Atlanta Hawks face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.
Johnson has been out since suffering a left distal radius fracture on November 25. The Hawks have struggled without Johnson in the lineup, particularly on the defensive end, as they are 4-10 during this stretch. However, the Hawks have split their last six contests.
Johnson has made tremendous strides in year three. The 6-9 forward has produced three double-doubles and averages 14.1 points, 7.3 boards, and 2.4 assists. He also has compiled a shooting slash line of .594/.425/.758.
Other Tidbits
- Charlotte Hornets wing Cody Martin was cleared to play tonight against Denver. The 27-year-old, who hadn’t played since Jan. 23, scored six points on 3 of 5 shooting in 17 minutes in a 102-95 loss to the Nuggets.
- Meanwhile, the Hornets, who were without center Mark Williams for the seventh straight game, lost rookie Brandon Miller to a right ankle injury during the game. Miller was injured during the first quarter and returned to the locker room. The Hornets initially said he was available to return, but they quickly changed their stance a few moments later and ruled him for the rest of the evening.
- With Draymond Green already missing five games due to his NBA suspension, the Golden State Warriors can move him to the suspended list and sign another player, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Draymond Green has served five games of the indefinite suspension and is now eligible to be moved to the suspended list.
The Warriors are allowed to sign a replacement player.
Golden State already had an open roster spot that has gone unused during the Green suspension.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 23, 2023
With Green out, it leaves the Warriors with 14 active players. Gary Payton II still hasn’t been cleared from injury, and they already had an open roster. Golden State (15-14) heads into its Christmas Day versus Denver game on a five-game winning streak.
- Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins told Damichael Cole of the Commercial Appeal that Marcus Smart could return on Tuesday against New Orleans. Smart has played in just 11 games as he has been out since Nov. 14 with a foot injury.
Just talked with Taylor Jenkins before tonight’s game against the Hawks. All signs point toward Marcus Smart making his return on Tuesday against the Pelicans.
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) December 23, 2023
- In other Grizzlies news, Jenkins said he hoped that Luke Kennard could begin playing five-on-five next week and can be back in the rotation by the end of December. Kennard has appeared in eight games, with his last on Nov. 14. Memphis (9-19) has won three straight since Ja Morant returned from suspension.
