Spurs: Popovich reveals when to expect Keldon Johnson back from injury
By Josh Paredes
The San Antonio Spurs were dealt a blow before the start of Tuesday's training camp, as it was revealed that Keldon Johnson suffered a dislocated shoulder during an open scrimmage game.
While Saturday's revelation came out of nowhere, San Antonio Express-News writer Tom Orsborn later detailed that the injury actually happened around September 10th. The original update from the Spurs suggested Johnson would be missing the team's training camp, which runs from September 27th through October 2nd. It also said he's expected to miss the start of the preseason.
With the Silver and Black scheduled to play preseason games on October 2nd, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 13th, it was probably safe to assume he'd miss at least those first three games. The latest update from Coach Gregg Popovich at Spurs Media Day may have shed some more light on an expected return date.
Pop provides update on when Keldon Johnson may return from injury
When asked on Monday morning, Coach Popovich didn't sound too concerned about Johnson's injury. "I think he will be fine," he stated, revealing he expects him to be back four or five days before the season opener.
Given that the Spurs will be starting their season on October 19th against the Charlotte Hornets, this update means he'll probably miss the entire preseason, which ends six days before the season opener.
Coach Popovich has a history of resting his players for longer than they might need to make sure they're 100% before returning to the court. While there's a chance we could see Keldon play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 13th for a tune-up game, I think a safe bet is we'll see him for the first time when the season starts next month.