Multiple sources are reporting potential Boston Celtics big man draft target Onyeka Okongwu has injured his foot, with the Charlotte Observer’s Rick Bonnell reporting the injury could have him miss training camp or even some of the regular season.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony shares the injury was a broken toe sustained in October, and the ESPN analyst believes Okongwu should be fine to start the season.
Whatever it may be behind the USC center’s hurt foot becoming knowledge on draft day, the timeline makes it sound like it isn’t something that should see his stock fall much, if at all.
It’s always unnerving to hear about big men with foot problems — especially so close to the draft — but a broken toe is a very minor injury.
The timing of the revelation is surprising, given it wouldn’t help Okongwu’s draft position overall, suggesting there may be an agenda with timing of this intel going public.
Two NBA sources: Onyeka Okongwu has a foot injury that could cost him training camp and maybe some of the regular season. Could impact where he's chosen in tonight's NBA draft (but not a lot).
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) November 18, 2020
Who might be behind such a leak and whether it is coming from the player’s camp or a team that’s seen his medicals (or him hurt it in a workout) is as of yet unknown.
As with all things draft-related today, the Celtics Wire is monitoring the situation closely.
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