The craziest factor occurred Saturday night time. The Nets launched their harm report forward of Sunday’s matchup with the Knicks at Madison Sq. Backyard and Trendon Watford was not on it. Meaning the ahead needs to be accessible to make his season debut.
Watford suffered a hamstring pressure in coaching camp and has but to seem in a sport this season. He got here dangerously near enjoying towards the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 1 however suffered a setback in warmups and was a late scratch. He didn’t journey with the staff to Boston, Cleveland or New Orleans.
The 24-year-old signed a one-year deal to stay with the Nets in July. And now that his highway to restoration is full, he can as soon as once more showcase his versatility and work towards incomes a long-term deal in Brooklyn. He has already received loads of psychological reps in Jordi Fernandez’s system and is aware of how he’ll slot in.
“He wants to play fast and wants to play fast on both ends,” Watford said. “Just being able to pick the energy up and pick the defense up on the defensive side. He wants to run so that benefits me and being able to use my versatility, bring the ball up and run the floor, and do what I can. So, just find my way and just find my moves.”
Watford averaged 6.9 factors, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 63 appearances final season whereas taking pictures 52.7% from the sector and 39.7% from 3-point vary. And whereas he performed inconsistent minutes all through the primary half of final season, he broke out down the stretch, averaging 12.9 factors, 5.7 rebounds and a couple of.2 assists per sport over his last 11 appearances.
With Nic Claxton dominated out for a minimum of the following week due to a decrease again pressure and Day’Ron Sharpe nonetheless nursing a left hamstring pressure, Watford’s return comes at a really perfect time. The Nets want all the scale they will get. Watford’s dimension, coupled with sturdy playmaking for a 6-8 participant, ought to bolster the staff’s frontcourt instantly.
“It’s good having another big guard out there, a big wing,” Claxton mentioned. “It’s always good having size. And you know, he can affect the game in a lot of different ways, handling the ball, defending. So definitely good having our soldier back.”
