Nene has been recovering strongly for the Denver Nuggets, and according to the Denver Post he has hopes of coming back this season.

He is expected to begin practicing in April.

"I will work as hard as I can to come back as quickly as possible," Nene said. "If the timing works out that I can practice or play, that is great. I want to get back to playing as soon as possible and get this setback behind me.

"I am told I am ahead of schedule. I have regained my muscle mass and am starting to work on my movements. The knee feels strong. I am told I will be 100 percent in the next few months."

Said Vandeweghe: "He's looking awful good, and he's in great shape. The knee is really healing well. The doctors are excited."