In a season already defined by ever-changing lineups, one Warriors newcomer — forward Alen Smailagic — has yet to make his debut.

Smailagic, the No. 39 pick in June’s NBA draft, is nearing his return from a sprained right ankle that has sidelined him for almost all of the preseason and the entire regular season. After getting in a couple of rehab workouts in Santa Cruz last week, he progressed to on-court work with Golden State.

Smailagic, 19, was seen getting up shots before Monday night’s game against Portland. Though the Warriors still don’t have a timetable for his return, they are encouraged by his progress.

“He’s getting better,” head coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s feeling more confident. We’ve worked hard with him, and he puts in a lot of work every single day.”

Smailagic, a developmental project who averaged 9.1 points per game with Golden State’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz last season, was widely expected to spend most of his rookie year back in Santa Cruz. But with the Warriors thinned by injuries, Smailagic could be well positioned for meaningful minutes.

With the focus now on player development, he can make strides in a relatively low-stakes environment, even if his body and basketball IQ have yet to catch up to the NBA level. What most intrigues Golden State about Smailagic is that, despite having limited experience in high-caliber professional leagues, he has confidence, a smooth jump shot and passing ability that belies his 6-foot-10 frame.

“I think, like most players in the NBA, when you get here, you spend a lot of time shooting, and a lot of coaching, it’s all right there for him,” Kerr said. “He’s made progress, and it’s exciting to see.”

Injury updates: The Warriors still have no update on center Kevon Looney, who is dealing with hamstring tightness that stems from a neuropathic condition. He won’t travel with the team Tuesday to Houston, but Golden State has yet to rule him out for the entire three-city trip. … D’Angelo Russell, who missed his second straight game Monday with a sprained right ankle, is considered day-to-day. Kerr said he hopes Russell can play Wednesday night against the Rockets.

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.