As reported here recently, Nathan Jawai has joined the Australian Boomers in camp, preparing for their series against Argentina (itself a form of preparation for the FIBA World Championships in Turkey). This positive news for the Aussie program has been tempered by word that Jawai will play a limited role for the Boomers, as he recovers from injury.
Shayne Hope of The West reports:
The Minnesota Timberwolves big man is on the comeback from a foot injury and was seen icing his right foot during this morning’s training session at the WA Basketball Centre.
Jawai was also carrying a noticeable limp, but Boomers coach Brett Brown said the 23-year-old should be available for all three games against Argentina.
“He’s 60 per cent, he’s come in underdone,” Brown said.
“He’s had an injury for the past six weeks which has really prohibited him from coming in any resemblance of shape.
“He has to be nursed through this, we need to be smart about what we put him through.
“We think he’ll play a limited role in all of the games.”
Obviously, pushing Jawai to play in an exhibition series is in no one’s best interests. Integrating him into the team through short minutes in this series will be the best way to prepare the big man and the team for the real deal in Turkey, come 28 August.
