David Chao, MD
2 min read • October 21, 2024
Posted in
Kristaps Porzingis: President of Operations Brad Stevens mentioned that Porzingis is making good progress since undergoing foot surgery in June. Initially projected to return in 5-6 months, he is targeting early December. Currently, he is limited to jogging and light on-court work with minimal contact.
Xavier Tillman: Tillman had a knee scope in the offseason but will be fully available for training camp. The specific knee was not disclosed, but the procedure appears to have been minor.
Luke Kornet: Kornet had wrist surgery in the offseason but is now 100% and ready for training camp.
Ben Simmons: After dealing with multiple injuries, particularly to his back over the last two-and-a-half seasons, Simmons underwent a microscopic partial discectomy in March to alleviate nerve impingement. He has been cleared to start training camp on October 1 with no restrictions.
Bojan Bogdanović: Bogdanović underwent successful surgeries on his left foot and wrist this offseason. He will be limited at the start of training camp, but after participating in an exhibition game in early September, he could be ready by the regular season. The main concern remains his foot, as he has yet to be cleared for full five-on-five practices.
Nic Claxton: Claxton has been nursing a hamstring injury throughout the preseason and has missed some games as a precaution. He is expected to be ready for the regular season.
Jalen Brunson: In early August, Brunson stated that he has fully recovered from the wrist injury that bothered him at the end of last season.
Mitchell Robinson: Robinson underwent two procedures on his left ankle during the offseason, the most recent being in May. He will not be ready for the start of the regular season, with a December return likely. The Knicks may use Julius Randle at center to manage Robinson’s minutes, particularly given Randle’s recent trade and the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns, who is better suited to play center.
OG Anunoby: Anunoby suffered a hamstring injury during last season's playoffs, missing four consecutive games and struggling in Game 7. He has fully recovered and is ready for training camp.
Joel Embiid: In an effort to stay healthier, Embiid has lost 25-30 lbs this offseason. He missed most of last season with a meniscus injury sustained on January 30 against Golden State. Having made just 39 appearances last season—the fewest since his rookie year—Embiid plans to sit out back-to-backs and will wear a knee brace for the first time in his career.
Paul George: George hyperextended his left knee during an October 15 preseason game. While his availability for the start of the season is uncertain, the injury is not expected to impact his entire season. Given his history of knee issues, he will be monitored closely.
Bruce Brown: Brown underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on September 19 and will be re-evaluated in three weeks, meaning he will miss the start of training camp and some preseason games.
Ja’Kobe Walker: Walker sprained his AC joint during offseason workouts and will not be cleared for on-court activities at the start of training camp. He will focus on rehabbing his shoulder.
Lonzo Ball: As of early August, Ball has been playing full-contact five-on-five scrimmages without setbacks, marking a significant milestone in his recovery. Having undergone three surgeries on his left knee, including an experimental cartilage transplant procedure, Ball returned to action on October 16, marking his first NBA game in over 1,000 days.
Josh Giddey: Giddey suffered a sprained ankle during Olympic competition that was initially underestimated in severity. He is now close to 100% as training camp begins.
Ty Jerome: Jerome, who missed most of last season due to an ankle injury that required surgery, is now fully healthy and has impressed in workouts leading up to training camp.
Emoni Bates: Bates had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee just before training camp. He will be re-evaluated in one month, at which point a clearer return timeline will be established.
Ausar Thompson: Thompson’s rookie season ended prematurely last year due to blood clots. While he remains sidelined at the start of training camp, he has been cleared for conditioning, strength training, and non-contact drills. He continues to undergo a medical review with the NBA Players Association.
Tyrese Haliburton: Haliburton dealt with a non-specific leg injury during the Paris Olympics, possibly related to previous hamstring issues. With rest after the Olympics, he is now fully healthy and ready for training camp.
James Wiseman: Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle reported that Wiseman is dealing with a groin issue that will limit his participation during training camp, despite an impressive offseason.
Bennedict Mathurin: Mathurin suffered a torn labrum in his right shoulder last season, requiring surgery. He has fully recovered and will participate in training camp.
Khris Middleton: Middleton underwent procedures on both ankles during the offseason. He has yet to be cleared for five-on-five action and will be limited to start training camp.
Delon Wright: Wright has a right shoulder contusion that has limited him early in training camp. While there’s no specific return timetable, he is not expected to miss significant time and should return shortly after the season begins.
Kobe Bufkin: Bufkin suffered a right shoulder subluxation during the offseason, which kept him out of the Las Vegas Summer League. He has been cleared for full participation in training camp.
Onyeka Okongwu: Okongwu underwent a non-surgical procedure on April 11 to address inflammation in his left big toe. Despite progress, he has missed every preseason game and may be unavailable to start the season.
LaMelo Ball: Ball’s last two seasons were cut short by ankle injuries, causing him to miss 106 games. He was diagnosed with right ankle tendinopathy last season but is expected to be fully healthy for training camp, where he will wear ankle braces.
Mark Williams: Williams has been in a walking boot due to an undisclosed foot injury since the start of camp but has made progress, shedding the boot on October 12. His status for the season opener will be determined closer to that date.
Jimmy Butler: Butler suffered a right MCL sprain during Miami’s Play-In Game loss to the 76ers. Despite a mostly healthy offseason, his durability remains a concern, as he has missed 20 or more games in three of the last four seasons. The team has challenged him to stay healthy, and Butler is determined to meet that expectation.
Josh Richardson: Richardson has missed preseason action while recovering from an offseason shoulder procedure. The goal is for him to be ready for the regular season.
Tyler Herro: Herro sustained a groin injury during the preseason but is not expected to miss significant time. He has been sitting out preseason games as a precaution.
Wendell Carter: Carter sprained his ankle in a preseason game but is considered day-to-day. Any absence is primarily precautionary to ensure he is ready for the start of the regular season. He has a history of injuries, having never completed a 60-game season.
Saddiq Bey: Bey tore his ACL in March and remains in rehab. During training camp, he has been limited to on-court work and has not yet been cleared for full contact.
Alex Sarr: Sarr, the Wizards’ lottery pick, has been dealing with calf soreness. The severity is unknown, but the team is approaching his recovery cautiously. Despite the injury, he has started at both power forward and center during the preseason and is expected to start at power forward, depending on his calf’s condition.
Written by David Chao, MD
