Noah Vonleh Injures Shoulder, May Miss First Two Weeks of Season

Entering his fourth NBA season after a promising 2016-17 campaign, Portland Trail Blazers power forward Noah Vonleh may have to wait a little longer before picking up where he left off. Jason Quick of CSN NW reports that the 22-year-old has suffered a right shoulder injury and will likely miss the first two weeks of the regular season, which the Blazers tip off on October 18.

Vonleh will miss the entirety of preseason play as well. The injury is being called a right shoulder strain, and what many assumed to be a starting spot should be at least temporarily up for grabs in his absence. Al-Farouq Aminu and Meyers Leonard are primary candidates to start at power forward, but the likely silver lining of this injury could be more available minutes for rookie Caleb Swanigan, who impressed in Las Vegas Summer League.