When the Brooklyn Nets traded for D'Angelo Russell in the offseason, they planned for him to be one of their franchise cornerstones. They wanted him to play a big role and make an impact for the team since the start of the season, but Russell has been injured for the most part of the campaign so far. He has already missed the last 26 games due to a knee injury.
On Monday night Russell proved that he can impact a game for the Nets despite being in street clothes and just by sitting on the bench. However, the impact was not for the better.
After a call that did not go the Nets' way, the 21-year-old Ohio State product was seen clapping his hands sarcastically. The referee nearest to him saw what Russell did and he gave the Nets guard a technical foul — to his and his teammates' surprise.
D'Angelo Russell got a technical on the bench because he was clapping 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Y2IOsiHVA1
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) January 16, 2018
It was indeed a rarity for a player to be called with a technical foul when they are not in uniform. If there's any good news for the Nets, it might be a sign that Russell is already itching to get back on the court. After recently going through his first 5-on-5 scrimmage in more than two months, Russell could be cleared to play again soon.
With the Nets losing their fifth game over their last six outings, the potential return of Russell will be a huge boost for them as they look to make their record more respectable. Truth be told, the Nets have been playing above expectations since Russell went down with an injury.
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