The Wizards may get some reinforcements in their backcourt within the next week. As Josh Robbins of The Athletic (Twitter link) relays, head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said on Wednesday that he’s “hopeful” Delon Wright will be able to return at some point during the team’s current six-game road trip, which runs through December 23.
Sidelined since October 25 due to a hamstring strain, Wright is trending in the right direction, according to Unseld. The veteran guard is perhaps Washington’s strongest perimeter defender, so the hope is that he can help improve a unit that has ranked 28th in the NBA in defensive rating during the club’s current eight-game losing streak.
Meanwhile, injured Wizards forward Rui Hachimura is also making progress, though he doesn’t appear quite as close to returning to action. According to Robbins (Twitter link), Unseld said on Wednesday that Hachimura has progressed to doing one-on-one contact work as he makes his way back from a bone bruise in his ankle. The former lottery pick last played on November 18.
Here’s more from around the Southeast:
- Although the Wizards entered the season hoping to be a playoff team, Robbins could envision them becoming sellers at the trade deadline if things continue to go south, he writes in his latest mailbag for The Athletic. As Robbins observes, the team will have to go 30-23 the rest of the way to even finish at .500, so the front office should “at least reconsider” its original plan.
- John Collins‘ name continues to pop up in trade rumors, but it sounds like the Hawks big man will remain on the shelf for the foreseeable future. Speaking on Wednesday to reporters, including Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Twitter link), head coach Nate McMillan said Collins hasn’t done much running or cutting and has mostly been limited to spot shooting as he recovers from a left ankle sprain.
- The Heat‘s current road trip, which opened with stops in Indiana, Oklahoma City, and Houston, has been something of a “nostalgia tour” for guard Victor Oladipo, who previously played in all three of those cities, writes Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel. Reflecting on the twists and turns his career has taken so far, Oladipo said he’s focused on forging a new path in Miami. “My journey, my purpose is not done,” he said.
If Jalen Johnson continues to struggle (he’s been the worst rotation player on the team this season) maybe it should be him that gets traded & not John… Jalen Johnson for Kenrich Williams would definitely make us better rn. If we sweeten it by returning OKC’s 2025 2nd, the Thunder might have to say yes. Jalen (he’d be their 3rd Jalen) is sorta perfect for the squad OKC is building, esp if/when they move on from Bazley (& eventually Poku)
I mean if Miami were smart they’d go
Duncan Robinson, Jovic, an unprotected first and a lottery protected first for John Collins.
They desperately need a real PF and Collins I think would be a great fit. Can help rebound, stretches the floor, great at finishing at the rim, ideal as a 3rd option scorer but doesn’t really demand to much of the ball.
Miami can line up
Lowry Strus Butler Collins Bam
Herro Oladipo Martin Dedmon
With occasional minutes for Yurtseven, Vincent and Highmsith.
Would allow you to get someone like Melo for the vets min who can just be that luxury piece you don’t need but make you better. ATL has to take back Duncan’s terrible deal but does get two firsts for Collins.