Brooklyn Nets fans might be seeing the end of rookie big man Danny Wolf's season. During Sunday's tight 126-122 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Wolf suffered what looked like a significant left ankle sprain in the second quarter. The pain was evident as he was helped off the court, and the Nets quickly ruled him out.
The injury kept Wolf sidelined for Monday's 134-99 defeat against the Portland Trail Blazers. With only a few weeks left in the season and the Nets already out of playoff contention, Wolf's return remains uncertain.
Drafted 27th overall in June, Wolf has shown promise throughout his rookie year. At 21, he's put up averages of 8.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, with shooting splits of .405/.322/.771 over 57 appearances. Impressively, he's one of just three rookies hitting over 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per 36 minutes, joining Memphis' Cedric Coward and New Orleans' Derik Queen.
Wolf's absence is a tough hit for Brooklyn's frontcourt, especially as they aim for prime positioning in the draft lottery. The Nets are already without backup center Day'Ron Sharpe, who is out for the season following thumb surgery. Starting power forward Noah Clowney is also sidelined with a wrist sprain.
Despite these challenges, Nic Claxton continues as the starting center, with Josh Minott and Chaney Johnson stepping up in the frontcourt.
Currently, the Nets are third in the draft lottery standings with 10 games left. They trail the Indiana Pacers and Washington Wizards by just one win, and they'll face both teams again before the season wraps up.