Trendon Watford is traveling with the Nets during their current three-game road trip but will not play, according to head coach Jordi Fernandez. The forward has not appeared in a game this season because of a hamstring strain suffered in training camp.
Watford, who will earn $2.7 million in 2024-25, was expected to make his season debut against the Chicago Bulls last week but was downgraded to questionable ahead of the game and later ruled out. However, Fernandez said the 23-year-old did not re-aggravate his injury.
“It’s the same thing he’s been dealing with. As you know, when you’re recovering from an injury, sometimes you’re feeling better or worse, whatever timeline that you had. He’s still on his timeline that we had from the beginning. It’s just a lot of times, timelines can be like one week this way, the other way, he’s still in a good place with what we hoped from the beginning. So, he’s fine.”
Watford averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 63 appearances last season while shooting 52.7% from the field and 39.7% from 3-point range.
“Getting hurt in camp at an unfortunate time, but fortunate time that it happened before the season started, but it’s just been a lot of rehab work and a lot of just trying to get back to where I was feeling and feeling even better,” Watford said.
Day’Ron Sharpe is also expected to miss the Nets’ next three games at the very least. Like Watford, he also suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and has missed the team’s first eight games. The 23-year-old averaged 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds across 61 appearances last season (one start) while shooting 51.7% from the field
“He’s great. His spirits are up. He’s working hard and getting ready to get back,” Cam Johnson said.
Said Fernandez: “Everything continues the same way with him, he’s doing a great job. Again, he’s in great spirits. It was his birthday [Wednesday], so I hope you guys, if you have the chance, say happy birthday.”
