Because the Nets put together for a six-game Western street journey, they could be getting a disappearing present.
Following The Nets’ 113-98 loss to the Pistons on Wednesday night time on the Barclays Middle, head coach Jordy Fernandez mentioned he believes Cam Johnson will return from a sprained ankle and play within the street journey, which is ready to start Friday in opposition to the Nuggets.
“We consider so. However once more, we cannot be in a rush. Each time he’s launched and feels good,” Fernandez mentioned. “He is younger, however he is a vet and I belief him. I do not need him to depart too early to danger something. I simply need it to be one hundred pc as a result of then he makes us higher. He makes us race higher and that solely helps the remainder of the group. He’s in a superb temper. It feels good. He has been working. It is simply good to have him round.
Johnson, a sixth-year ahead, has been out three video games since struggling the ankle harm in opposition to the Bucks on Jan. 2 when Zaire Williams fell on a teammate’s leg whereas grabbing a rebound late within the sport.
With out Johnson, Williams and Jaylen Wilson carried the load with Cam Thomas (hamstring), Ben Simmons (calf soreness and decrease again administration) additionally out the final three video games.
D’Angelo Russell (shin) additionally missed the final two whereas enjoying solely the primary half of Saturday’s 76ers sport.
Johnson’s availability and journey plans had one other wrinkle because the No. 11 choose within the 2019 NBA Draft. there have been a number of commerce rumors swirling round his identify with curiosity reportedly from the Kings, Pacers and Thunder earlier than the Feb. 6 deadline.
There have additionally been stories linking Johnson to the Grizzlies and Lakers, in line with Jake Fisher.
NetsDaily reported a supply saying all of the rumors surrounding Johnson are “inaccurate.”
Johnson is in the course of his four-year, $94.5 million contract and the 28-year-old ahead is averaging 19.5 factors whereas capturing 49.6 p.c from the sphere and 43.6 p.c from past the arc.
The Nets aren’t anticipated to commerce Johnson simply, and any deal would probably embrace or be equal to the worth of two first-round picks.
In his second straight begin this season and fourth with the Nets, Tyrese Martin had his first profession double-double with 12 factors and 10 rebounds (profession excessive).
Noah Clowney’s career-high 29-point night time made the 20-year-old ahead the youngest Web in franchise historical past to attain 25 or extra factors, 5 or extra rebounds and 5 or extra three-pointers in a sport.
