An offseason ankle injury won't slow Allen Crabbe down in training camp.
The Portland Trail Blazers wing was fully cleared for all contact ahead of the start of camp, having recovered from a severe left ankle sprain suffered in mid-July in summer league. His timeline for a return was originally set at four-to-six weeks and the Blazers seemed confident he'd be fine, fully guaranteeing his contract for the season shortly after the injury.
Crabbe is entering a pivotal third season in the NBA. Not only is the 23-year-old set for restricted free agency next summer, but he has his best chance at meaningful playing time in a rebuilding year for Portland.
As a sophomore in 2014-15, Crabbe averaged 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 13.4 minutes over 51 games. Despite that modest production, Crabbe, who'll be looking to stand out in a crowded group of wings fighting for minutes, brings an above-average skill to the table with a 36.4 percent career mark from outside.
He also showed improvement at summer league, averaging 15.5 points on 53.2 percent shooting, far better than his production at the tournament the two years prior.