The San Antonio Spurs have a few more days to prepare for their next game against the Portland Trail Blazers. They are fighting a big injury monster. There’s top 2023 NBA Draft pick Victor Wembanyama, who is currently fighting a calf injury. In near-unrelated news, fellow rookie and second overall pick Stephon Castle is dealing with a hip flexor strain. Both players are reportedly due for reevaluations in the near future, offering some hope that each could be back on the court soon.
Whatever the injury, it is naturally cause for concern for the Spurs considering how integral Wembanyama has quickly become to the team’s success. The 19-year-old forward has been phenomenal, owning a stat line of 14 points, 4 rebounds and 3.8 assists in his first six games. He’s making 50% of his shots from the field and 35.7% of his three-pointers! His disruption on both ends is highly contagious. His potential absence is being felt by fans and teammates alike.
Such is the case for Stephon Castle, a talent on the level of Wembanyama’s who’s had an electric start to his young career. He is in the midst of nursing a hip flexor strain. If cleared to play, he figures to return off the bench against the Blazers. This is an important step in his continuing recovery. To the surprise of many, it reflects the Spurs’ commitment to reintroducing their best draft choices back into the lineup.
The Spurs’ organization today announced that Wembanyama and Castle will begin their return to the court. This is in direct response to their own recent reappraisal. The team remains hopeful that both of those players will be back in their respective roles in the near future. Their return might take some of the roster pressure off the positive trio.
In another piece of good news, Harper has officially announced that he will take the field against Portland. For many, he is the young talent on the Spurs roster. The 19-year-old guard has averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in his first six games, shooting at an impressive rate of 50% from the field. He expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team’s efforts against the Blazers in an interview with the San Antonio Express-News.
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