Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren, who has not played since early last season, will not make his return to action this season.
Per ESPN.com, “although Indiana Pacers guard T.J. Warren has recovered from consecutive stress fractures in his left foot and returned to full basketball activities, he will sit out Indiana’s final 12 games and prepare for the 2022-23 season, sources told ESPN. Warren, 28, has missed the entirety of this season and played only four games in 2020-21 with the stress fractures.”
“Our organization’s guiding principle will always center on a holistic approach to our players’ health and prioritizing their overall well-being,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. “T.J. Warren has worked incredibly hard over the past 14 months to get to this point – a full participant in on-court activity with his teammates – all while navigating the many challenges that accompany this type of injury. However, after thoughtful conversation with T.J. and his representatives, it has been determined that the most beneficial course of action at this point is to allow him to focus on the 2022-23 season. We will continue to provide T.J. with all the care, support, and resources necessary to ensure he returns to the high-level of play to which he’s accustomed.”
The Pacers are 24-47 this season. Warren played just four games in 2020-21 and hasn’t played at all in 2021-22. In 67 games played in 2019-20, he averaged 19.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Prior to that season, Warren played for the Phoenix Suns.
