The 2024-25 NBA regular season is rapidly approaching. It kicks off on October 22 with two games on the docket. Some teams may already be shorthanded to begin the season. Here are 12 notable NBA players that will be absent from action due to injury to begin the regular season.
Notable Players That Will Miss Start Of Regular Season With Injury
Malcolm Brogdon, Washington Wizards
A torn thumb ligament suffered in practice is expected to sideline Malcolm Brogdon for at least a month. The 31-year-old point guard was acquired by Washington in the deal that sent Deni Avdija to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Devin Carter, Sacramento Kings
Devin Carter, the son of 13-year NBA veteran, Anthony Carter, was selected by Sacramento with the 13th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, it was announced prior to Summer League that he would need shoulder surgery. Carter’s torn labrum was repaired in mid-July, and he was given a six-month timetable at the time of surgery.
Dante Exum, Dallas Mavericks
After not playing in the NBA for two seasons, Dante Exum joined Dallas in the 2023 offseason. He ended up playing nearly 20 minutes per game for a team that reached the NBA Finals. Exum underwent wrist surgery last Tuesday, and it is expected to keep him out of action for three months.
GG Jackson II, Memphis Grizzlies
The 45th overall selection in the 2023 NBA Draft, GG Jackson II made the All-Rookie Second Team last season averaging 14.6 points per contest. Still just 19 years old, Jackson II won’t be ready at the start of the 2024-25 season. He had surgery on a broken foot in early September, and it was announced then that he would be re-evaluated in three months.
Trey Murphy III, New Orleans Pelicans
A hamstring injury has Trey Murphy III sidelined, and he is scheduled to be re-evaluated on October 24. The Pelicans season opener is on October 23, so Murphy III will miss at minimum their first game. This is the second-straight season that he has been out to start the season as a knee injury kept Murphy III out for over a month to begin 2023-24.
Kristaps Porzingis, Boston Celtics
Kristaps Porzingis missed half of Boston’s 14 playoff outings during last season’s championship run. The talented, but oft-injured, center had surgery in late June on his left leg. He is expected to be sidelined for at least the first couple months of the season.
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks
The 26-year-old Mitchell Robinson is reportedly aiming for a January return after two ankle surgeries. The lack of centers on the Knicks roster with Robinson injured and Isaiah Hartenstein signing with the Thunder, helped precipitate their deal for Karl-Anthony Towns. It will be interesting to see if Robinson gives the Knicks a “Twin Towers” starting lineup alongside Towns, or if head coach Tom Thibodeau brings Robinson off the bench when he returns.
Day’Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets
Day’Ron Sharpe, who averaged 15.2 rebounds per 36 minutes in 2023-24, will be sidelined at the start of the 2024-25 season. A left hamstring strain sustained in practice will keep the 22-year-old center out of action. On October 7, it was announced that Sharpe would be re-evaluated in six weeks.
Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
A small posterior labral tear found in his left shoulder was given a four-to-six week absence timetable for Shaedon Sharpe when the injury was discovered a week ago. Entering his third season, Sharpe was the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He may be utilized in a sixth man role since the team traded for Avdija from Washington.
Devin Vassell, San Antonio Spurs
The 24-year-old Devin Vassell had offseason surgery on his right foot. He reportedly won’t be re-evaluated until November 1, thus will miss the beginning of the regular season.
Vince Williams Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Due to numerous injuries on the team, Vince Williams Jr. saw extended playing time last season and averaged 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. It was announced on September 27 that a left shin injury would sideline Williams Jr., and he would be re-evaluated in four weeks. That will keep him out at least for the very start of the regular season.
Christian Wood, Los Angeles Lakers
Christian Wood’s first season with the Lakers in 2023-24 was one of his least productive in some time (averages of 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds). He now will be out to start the 2024-25 regular season. On September 9, it was revealed that Wood had a procedure on his left knee and that he would be re-evaluated in eight weeks.
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