Brooklyn cautious with hurt Crabbe

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Both Nets coach Kenny Atkinson and wing Allen Crabbe said the swingman is day-to-day with a sprained ankle. But it’s clearly a setback for Brooklyn’s highest-paid player, who spent Thursday in a walking boot when he’d hoped to be developing chemistry with his new teammates.

“It’s just a sprained ankle right now. X-rays were negative so that’s good. Just doing rehab, it’s going to be day-to-day,” said Crabbe, who didn’t know if it was a high sprain or how severe. “We’re just working through it right now, see how I feel each and every morning. We’ll get back as soon as I can.”

With the Nets opening the preseason Tuesday against the Knicks — and owing Crabbe $56.8 million over three years — they’ll be cautious.

“We have to. You’ve got to think 82 games. Honestly this is a setback,’’ Atkinson said. “Again, lack of continuity. You want to see him with different lineups ... especially with a new player. So we’ll do the best we can showing him stuff. But it’s not the same.”

Crabbe hit 44 percent from deep last year for Portland — second-best in the NBA. But he averaged just 8.2 shots, 3.8 3-point attempts and 28.5 minutes.

“Between Jeremy [Lin] and D’Angelo [Russell], they’re going to know how to get him stuff in this offense, so that’s going to be where we need time,” Atkinson said. “That’s a little upsetting about him not being here, that he’s not going to get that chemistry. That’s frustrating, because that’s so important to get off to a good start.”

The Nets watched the Brigade of Midshipmen march into Bancroft Hall during noon meal formation, then ate lunch with a host of Midshipmen.