Michael Carter-Williams eyes a target return date of November 13

Check out the original article from Philly.com, here.
--

The Sixers, who are again expected to struggle this year, will have to begin the regular season without their reigning Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams.

Carter-Williams, who finished his statistically spectacular rookie season with per game averages of 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds, underwent right shoulder surgery back in May, almost immediately after receiving his Rookie of the Year hardware. He has been on the mend ever since, and his return timetable has remained a bit murky, with no exact dates given as to when he would to the hardwood.

Now though, according to ESPN, it seems as though a target date has been selected for the reigning Rookie of the Year’s return.

“Michael Carter-Williams and the Philadelphia 76ers have set a target date of November 13^th for his return,” a source close to the situation told ESPN.

The Sixers will be in Dallas on November 13^th to face off against the Mavericks.

If that target date holds true, Carter-Williams will miss the season’s first seven games. Emphasis on the ‘if’ however, as the Sixers have found themselves on the extra-cautious side of things when it comes to injuries of their young building blocks, preferring to give the players extra recovery time rather than rushing them back into action.

While Carter-Williams remains optimistic about being able to return by mid-November, there remains the possibility that the Sixers will hold him back. From ESPN:

                “A source told ESPN that Carter-Williams is optimistic about returning Nov. 13 in Dallas. However, there remains a belief that the team will hold him back, since general manager Sam Hinkie has shown little desire to win games this season and instead remains hopeful of landing another top draft pick in order to rebuild the franchise through high draft picks.”

Carter-Williams’ continued development as both a point guard and a leader will be of central import to the SIxers this season as they continue to rebuild their roster.

In the meantime, Tony Wroten will hold down the starting spot at the point guard position. The Sixers open their season Wednesday in Indiana.