AJ Dybantsa has an ankle sprain, and Wizards coach Brian Keefe said: "We just took him out of the game for precaution." Keefe said the team will know more once it gets more information. Washington has a couple of days of practice before its opener.
Khris Middleton is back playing for the Wizards. "Yeah, it's great to see him back out there," coach Brian Keefe said, calling Middleton a smart player who makes the right play.
Zion Williamson missed all four of his three-point attempts, and New Orleans coach Jamahl Mosley had no complaints: "Oh, I love that he shot it. Gosh, I love it. And they look good." Mosley credited off-court work and said Williamson shoots about 50% from three in practice.
"Our depth is going to be the key for us this year," New Orleans' Jamahl Mosley said, with his bench having won its minutes across four preseason games. Jeremiah Fears said Mosley reshuffles the practice groups every day so players get a feel for each other.
Jeremiah Fears says film study has slowed the game down for him. New Orleans' Jamahl Mosley called Fears' command of the floor the main gain of his offseason, as he balances scoring, setting up teammates and calming the game: "that's great growth for that young man."
Dejounte Murray sits New Orleans' preseason finale on Oct. 16, though Jamahl Mosley said he "was able to get on the floor and get some stuff done." Minutes will "look similar" to the regular season because players aren't yet in shape and need game reps, Mosley said.
I try to be a Swiss Army knife, whatever the team needs. And this year might be a different role. It might be... more on the defensive side and more... being more of a connector.
Saddiq Bey says his New Orleans role may shift this season: "I try to be a Swiss Army knife, whatever the team needs. And this year might be a different role. It might be... more on the defensive side and more... being more of a connector."
Karlo Matkovic, shuffled between New Orleans' starting lineup and bench by Jamahl Mosley, likes it: "put guys in different situations, make you uncomfortable and stuff. I like that." He said spreading the floor opened "a little bit more space in the paint for other guys."
New Orleans' Dejounte Murray got on the floor for light shooting Oct. 15, Jamahl Mosley said. Mosley isn't satisfied with his players' minutes and conditioning, and given the roster's depth: "we won't ask those guys to play those heavy high minutes right away."
Jeremiah Fears, in his second year, has "the green light" to direct his New Orleans teammates into position, Jamahl Mosley said: "that's a point guard's job." Mosley sees him growing into the team's floor general.
"Our guards are going to have to come in and get 7 and 8 rebounds together, and it'd be 20-plus between those guards." Because teams are shooting more 3-pointers, New Orleans' Jamahl Mosley said Oct. 15 that he wants a combined 20-plus rebounds from his guards.
Jordan Poole and Derik Queen are building a two-man game for New Orleans. Asked Oct. 15 about using different starting lineups, Jamahl Mosley pointed to the pair, who have been working on their pick-and-roll together after watching it on film.
Wizards big Alex Sarr, back from injury, says he's "getting used to the pace" and has "been feeling good." Spacing beside Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton is his biggest adjustment. Brian Keefe wouldn't detail Khris Middleton's minutes: "he is trending in the right direction."
Trae Young has been pass-first with few shots this preseason. Wizards coach Brian Keefe wants that to change: "we want him to be aggressive, we want him to score." Young has only played through three quarters; Keefe said players go longer in the finale against the Pelicans.
Zion Williamson's shape? "Great. Feels healthy," New Orleans' Karlo Matkovic said, comparing him with last year. Herb Jones says Williamson trusts his jumper more and is "competing a lot more defensively." Matkovic added that his voice and energy can be felt in the gym.