NBA Notes: Thunder, Jalen Williams, Blazers, Nuggets, Cam Johnson

Thunder

The Thunder aren’t rushing Jalen Williams back, and they’re not saying much, either.

Williams is recovering from offseason surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist, and according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, he still isn’t shooting jumpers with that hand. Head coach Mark Daigneault kept things vague when asked for an update this week.

“He’s progressing on a normal timeline,” Daigneault said. “He’s where he should be.”

The Thunder have yet to indicate whether Williams will be ready for the regular-season opener later this month.

The 23-year-old was one of the breakout stars of last season, averaging 19.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 54% from the field and earning All-NBA consideration for one of the league’s top young cores.

Given that the defending champions are in no hurry to push him, “normal timeline” likely means patience.

Trail Blazers

With extension talks reportedly hovering around the $100 million range, Shaedon Sharpe reminded everyone why he’s worth it.

The 21-year-old guard opened the preseason with a dominant showing — 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting to go with six rebounds in just 23 minutes.

“He just looked very under control at all times,” coach Chauncey Billups said, via Rose Garden Report’s Sean Highkin. “Got to where he wanted to get to. I thought defensively, he was good.

“He went in and got some really good rebounds for us. I think Shaedon can be an exceptional rebounder with his physical gifts. He played a good game.”

Sharpe’s athleticism has never been in question. His consistency might be next — and that’s what Portland is betting on.

Nuggets

Cameron Johnson isn’t lighting up the box score yet — and that’s just fine with the Nuggets.

The offseason addition has taken only nine shots through his first two preseason games, scoring 13 total points.

Coach David Adelman said the team is easing him into its system and wants him to play naturally before emphasizing his own looks.

“We’re just getting him comfortable,” Adelman said, via Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. “Cam plays for his teammates sometimes instead of force-feeding himself into the action. We’ve gotta get him to his right hand more. I haven’t put in pet plays for him yet. But we’ll get there for sure.”

Johnson’s ability to space the floor and move without the ball should fit well alongside Denver’s core. For now, the goal is simple — get him comfortable in the Jokic orbit.