Some other school says "hey we'd like for you to play for us next year so dont get any reps to get better or stay sharp?" We are 9 months away from the start of next season. Even if Duke wanted him, they'd want him to play and not have a full year off since the last time he played meaningful basketball. Same goes for the "handlers" POV. He doesnt increase his value by sitting. This isn't a matter where his stock was so high and theyre trying to protect it. He's averaged 7 points across 40 games for his career. Whatever positive value any handlers could gain could only be done by him being on the floor. What "green light" means is the medical staff says him being on the floor isn't a high risk for re-injury. What it **doesnt** mean is Johnson is in basketball shape What it **doesnt** mean is that he can do the same things right now on his leg that would help him provide value to the team What it **doesnt** mean is that he has confidence in his leg to make the same cuts, jump, push off defensively that he would have to do in a game. All of that is a process. Not everything is a conspiracy. He's just working his way back and doesnt need the ire of fans second guessing his motives when he's done nothing to show such a scenario is even plausible