Three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle, DeMarre Carroll was back at practice Monday and reports from Kenny Atkinson indicate he’s getting close to his season debut.
Already, he’s moved from being “out” to “doubtful” Tuesday vs. Phoenix.
DeMarre Carroll (right ankle arthroscopy) has been upgraded to doubtful for tomorrow’s game against the #Suns. #Nets
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) November 5, 2018
After practice, Atkinson seemed to indicate Carroll wasn’t limited...
Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said DeMarre Carroll went "pretty hard today" in practice and said he's "getting real close" to a return. Did not say whether or not Carroll would be available against the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 5, 2018
After practice today, Kenny Atkinson says DeMarre Carroll is close to returning. #nets
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) November 5, 2018
Carroll led the Nets in minutes last season at 29.9 a game, averaging 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 37.1 percent from three in 73 games, arguably the best stats he’s put up in his nine-year career.
The 32-year-old played mostly at the 3 and stretch 4 last year, starting all 73 games he played. How he’ll fit in the Nets this season remains a question mark. Joe Harris has been starting at the 3 and has been the NBA’s best long-range shooter so far this season. Jared Dudley has been getting minutes at the 4, but Rondae Hollis-Jefferson is healthy again as well, turning in a 21-point, six-rebound effort in the Nets win over Philadelphia.
He underwent arthroscopic surgery on October 16 after experiencing ankle soreness. At the time, Kenny Atkinson said, “I don’t think it’s a huge thing. It was something where we could go back and forth or get this thing cleaned up and get him feeling 100 percent.”
The Nets leave later Monday for Phoenix for their first west coast swing ... four games in seven days against the Suns, Nuggets, Warriors, and Timberwolves.