INJURY UPDATE: Hamidou Diallo on Schedule to Make Return

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(Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports)

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo hasn’t stepped on the court since he suffered a hyperextended elbow against the Los Angeles Lakers exactly one month ago today.

The former Kentucky guard was off to a blazing start in his second year with OKC, averaging 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50 percent from the field in 12 outings.

The elbow injury was an unfortunate setback, but according to Thunder head coach Billy Donovan, Diallo is progressing well without any setbacks.

“I think he’s feeling good,” Donovan said, according to Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman. “The biggest thing I think he’s trying to do is keep himself in shape. I think that first part was a little bit difficult for him to really be able to do much because his arm was in a sling. But now that he’s got it out and he’s got the ability to run and move and use his right hand some, and use his right arm some, that’s been a good thing.”

It was announced on Nov. 25 that Diallo would be re-evaluated in four weeks – which is this Monday – and it would appear that he’s getting closer to making his return. Coach Donovan said not long after the injury initially occurred that Diallo would have his same spot in the Thunder rotation once he came back.

Diallo has been progressing every day, now going through shooting drills while wearing a black compression sleeve.

According to Billy Donovan, Hamidou Diallo is able to shoot with his right hand now, but the medical staff is charting how many shots he takes and from where. They’ll ramp up distance as he progresses. pic.twitter.com/HiHTlNQbWT

— Maddie Lee (@maddie_m_lee) December 21, 2019