Nets forward Allen Crabbe remains out as sore knee proves persistent
Brooklyn Nets forward Allen Crabbe reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Barclays Center on Monday, Dec. 3, 2018. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
When Allen Crabbe first experienced a sore right knee on Dec. 13, it was believed to be a trivial matter that might only require one game of rest. Now, it seems Crabbe has the injury that won’t go away.
Before Crabbe missed his 10th straight game against the Pelicans Wednesday night at Barclays Center, the Nets issued a statement saying it has been determined his sore knee is the result of a bruised fat pad. He will be re-evaluated in another one to two weeks, when his return-to-play protocol will be determined.
Asked before the game if surgery is possible for Crabbe, Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said, “No, we haven’t gotten to that point yet. It will be a re-evaluation in a week to 10 days and go from there.”
It’s a tough break for Crabbe, who was coming off a four-game stretch in which he averaged 17.5 points and shot 51.4 percent from three-point range (19 of 37).
Two-way player Williams released
The Nets on Wednesday waived two-way player Alan Williams, who was averaging 21.0 points and a league-high 14.6 rebounds with the Long Island Nets in the G League. Williams had not played a minute with the NBA Nets, and Atkinson acknowledged the veteran asked for his release to pursue a more lucrative opportunity.
“I think we were understanding of granting him that opportunity,” Atkinson said. “He had an excellent opportunity. He played great in the G League. Obviously, he has an opportunity to help himself out financially.”
Salaries in the G League are the pro-rated portion of $77,250 for each day spent in the league. It is expected Williams will wind up in China, where he can make a seven-figure income.
Net-cetera
Veteran forward Jared Dudley returned to the Nets’ starting lineup in place of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (right adductor strain) . . . Treveon Graham made his return from a hamstring injury by playing for the LI Nets against Erie Wednesday night at NYCB Live.
Greg Logan has worked for Newsday since 1982 covering a wide array of sports and events, currently including the Brooklyn Nets beat.
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