Washington Wizards: 3 Things to Watch for in Tonight’s Summer League Game
By Ethan Smith
Will Troy Brown Return?
There’s no denying that Troy Brown Jr has been the star of the Wizards’ Summer League showings out in Las Vegas. Despite Rui Hachimura drawing the biggest post-game media crowds, Brown has been the one filling the stat sheet.
The former 2018 first-round-pick started out with a double-double (18 points, 15 rebounds) vs the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, he followed that game up with nearly another double-double in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Brown scored 16 and added 9 rebounds that game.
However, the third time wasn’t quite the charm for Brown in Vegas. Lady luck wasn’t exactly on his side when the Wizards took on the Los Angeles Clippers earlier this week. After only playing seven minutes, Brown was ruled out for the game’s final three quarters with a left knee contusion.
Coach Robert Pack said holding Troy Brown out after his injury was just a precaution. No indication yet he will miss more games. It is a left knee contusion, which they will evaluate further tomorrow.
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) July 10, 2019
Keeping Brown out as a precaution makes sense. There’s nothing on the line in Summer League and he’s shown more than enough through the first two games. You can tell he’s one of the few on the court with legitimate NBA minutes already under his belt.
Whether we’ll see Brown for the Wizards’ final Summer League game is still unknown, but don’t be surprised if that precautionary rest continues. Brown isn’t the only young talent sitting out. Players like Zion Williamson and Jarrett Culver, both lottery pick in this year’s draft, have been barred from the court in Vegas by their teams, too.
If Brown does come back for tonight’s game, hopefully, he puts on another show reminiscent to what he showed against New Orleans and Brooklyn. If not, he’s already got Wizards salivating over his season to come.