The Washington Wizards got their preseason started in the NBA Japan Games 2022 facing off against the Golden State Warriors twice. While the games don’t count for anything officially, the injuries are unfortunately very real.
Both teams were hoping to escape the exhibition games without incident, but the Wizards were not so lucky. Forward Corey Kispert will be sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks because of a left ankle sprain that occurred in the second game against Golden State.
This is a tough blow for Kispert who is entering his second season in the NBA. He was the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga. While there were some concerns about how his game would translate to the next level, as Kispert isn’t the most explosive athlete, he did not struggle to find a niche.
Kispert showed that he could score efficiently at the next level with a shooting split of .455/.350/.871, which is impressive for any player, let alone a rookie coming from a non-power conference collegiately. He started 36 games and appeared in 77 last season, averaging 23.4 minutes per game.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS: Corey Kispert & Washington Wizards Updates
He was likely looking at a larger role this season as someone that could provide the Wizards wing on the size, standing 6’7”. His 3-point shooting stroke would have also fit in nicely, helping replace some of what will be lost with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope now playing with the Denver Nuggets following an offseason trade.
While injuries are always unfortunate, Washington at least has the depth to overcome the one to Kispert. Rui Hacimura, Kyle Kuzma and Will Barton can all soak up minutes on the wing.
LATEST NBA INJURY NEWS: Corey Kispert & Washington Wizards Updates
Jordan Schakel, who played in four games with the team at the end of the 2021-22 season, could also benefit and find his way onto the roster and into early season minutes. Rookie Johnny Davis could see more minutes in the early going now with Kispert sidelined for at least the first month of the season.
