Fri. eyed for debut of Carroll

PHOENIX — DeMarre Carroll’s season debut seems to have moved from looming to imminent, likely as soon as Friday in Denver.

“Hopeful is a good word,” Nets coach Kenny Atkinson said of Carroll making his return against the Nuggets. “I know he just had a good workout, so I’m hopeful he can play on Friday.”

After having arthroscopic surgery Oct. 16 on his right ankle, Carroll returned to practice Monday and was upgraded to doubtful before ending up a scratch for Tuesday’s 104-82 victory over the Suns. The Nets don’t play again until Friday, and his return would give them a huge lift.

“Defense has been his forte, that’s been his role in this league. And then obviously his shooting — he’s a really good spot-up shooter. Also end of games, he makes big plays, he makes big shots,” Atkinson said. “But I’d really like to see him give us a boost defensively.”

Carroll, 32, averaged 13.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and two assists last season, all careerhighs. He hit 37.1 percent from 3-point range and averaged a team-high 29.9 minutes.

Carroll started at small forward last season, but got looks as a stretch four and has acknowledged that’s where his future lies.

Jared Dudley has started every game at power forward, but with Treveon Graham (hamstring) out and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson still getting to full speed, Carroll could help at that spot.

“It’s fluid, depending on our roster, depending on who’s healthy, who’s not healthy. But that gives him obviously more opportunity to get minutes, because he can play three positions,” Atkinson said. “If you ask DeMarre, he thinks he can play point guard, too.”

Rookie Rodions Kurucs made the road trip, but did not play. Dzanan Musa remained with G-League Long Island.

Dudley made his return to Phoenix after being traded to Brooklyn on July 20 and had five points in 25 minutes. He spent seven years with the Suns (2009-13, 2016-18).