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He’s back.
After watching 33 games and watching the Nets go 11-22 during his absence, D’Angelo Russell is back and ready for action. Coach Kenny Atkinson said he won’t start, but expect to see him paired with Spencer Dinwiddie.
“Spencer (Dinwiddie) and D’Angelo (Russell) will play together.” - Atkinson
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 19, 2018
Atkinson didn’t provide any expectation about minutes and tempered the expectations in general while noting that he needs “permission” from the performance team to play DLo in the fourth.
Said he will “ease him into it” and “build him up.” Wouldn’t give an exact range of minutes. #Nets
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 19, 2018
Atkinson says he has to “ask for permission” from performance team re minutes late in the game.
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 19, 2018
Then, without any hesitation, Atkinson said he believes Russell is a 1, but he can play the 2 as well. His size enables him to cover wings, he added.
“I think he’s a one in my mind,” Atkinson says of D’Angelo Russell.
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 19, 2018
PRE-GAME SIGHTS AND SOUNDS
D’Angelo Russell is back. #Nets pic.twitter.com/bhUfeK5eIo
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 19, 2018
He’s back. @Dloading pic.twitter.com/Jh1sh9MPfv
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) January 19, 2018
The last time Russell suited up was back on January 11 against the Utah Jazz. Six days later, he underwent arthroscopic on his knee. Just about eight weeks later, he’s officially back.
The second chapter of the season starts... N:0W