Jrue Holiday has been “cleared for a progression of on-court basketball activities” as he works his way back from a right calf strain that has kept him out of action since November 14, the Trail Blazers announced in a press release.
The 35-year-old guard has only appeared in 12 games since being acquired from Boston in an offseason trade. He was a full-time starter before the injury and was averaging 16.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 33.4 minutes per night.
The release from the Blazers doesn’t offer a timetable of when Holiday might return to action, stating that “availability will be determined based on functional response to loading and updated accordingly.”
The team also provides updates on several other players, stating that Matisse Thybulle is progressing toward a return after undergoing thumb surgery in late October. The release states that Thybulle has been “working on a progressive ramp-up” but is experiencing persistent symptoms of right knee tendinopathy. Thybulle appeared in four games prior to the surgery.
Scoot Henderson, who hasn’t played yet this season because of a hamstring issue, has begun “non-contact, on-court basketball activities.” The No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft will be reevaluated in two weeks.
Jerami Grant, who has been sidelined since December 18 with left Achilles tendonitis, is traveling with the team on its current road trip and is considered day-to-day. The 31-year-old forward is viewed as a potential trade candidate ahead of the February 5 deadline.
There were definitely hopes the Blazers would compete this season but losing Jrue has killed them.
I’d say more like hopes the early career members would take a major step forward this year. That has largely happened. It’s a shame Scoot Henderson has missed so much time. Jrue is too expensive long term, though, he really needs the reps.
As far as competing, the play-in makes it so that even losing teams have a chance to compete during the play-offs. The young guys need that experience too, so with Jrue and Scoot back (and hopefully no more long-term injuries) they should make it . I’m looking forward to seeing how this team closes out the close games for the remainder of the season.
Injuries can’t improve the result of the team. But if Jrue and Henderson and Wesley return to the team, the rest of season were different, three more players in unit 1 or 2, can do this.