NBA: Five Injured Players That Are Missed Desperately
Apr 5, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) controls the ball against Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA will always have injuries, it’s simply a part of the game. But for these players, their injuries are hurting their teams
Players come and go, but injuries are forever. Injuries have become expected in this league.
If you play, you will likely be injured multiple times before you retire. Unless you’re LeBron James, because he’s some sort of super human freak who never seems to get injured. Go figure.
However, he, and the few like him in professional sports and the NBA, are the exception.
In this piece, we look at a few players that have all sustained pretty serious injuries who are being sorely missed by their respective teams. T
Here are five (now) injured players that need to get healthy as soon as possible in order to cure their team’s woes.
Jul 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons (25) dribbles the ball during an NBA Summer League game against the Golden State Warriors at Thomas & Mack Center. Golden State won the game 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons was the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft and has not played a minute of NBA action. The reason for this is that Simmons rolled his ankle in a scrimmage late September.
So, he underwent surgery to repair a Jones fracture in his foot and there is still no timetable for his return.
The hope is that Simmons will return after the NBA All-Star break.
The 76ers coach, Brett Brown, has said that Simmons will run the point once he returns from injury. Because of his insane Lebron-like passing vision, this will suit Simmons well.
The reason Mr. Simmons is at No. 5 is because he may not even play this season, which may be for the best.
If he does possibly return, it will take some time to adjust to the flow of league.
But, this Sixers season is a trial run of their young talent rather than to make a playoff push so Simmons’ return would be welcomed.
The anticipation for Simmons to return is mounting in Philadelphia. The fans may have to be patient, though. It is never smart to rush a player back from injury. Joel Embiid is proof enough of that.
Waiting is the name of the game the Philly fans.
Jan 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets
The starting small forward for the Denver Nuggets is truly important to their offense and he is arguably their best scorer.
The bad news is that he has been sidelined because of a groin strain and it doesn’t look as if the Nuggets are going to rush him back.
Since the Nuggets do have options on the bench this might not hurt them in the short term, considering Wilson Chandler and Will “The Thrill” Barton can sustain an increase in their minutes.
One thing to keep in mind though is that the Nuggets are currently fighting for a playoff spot. They are sitting at the 8 spot in the standings as of today.
Gallinari adds offense when needed to the Denver team. He is most efficient cutting to the basket and in transition offense.
Once he is back, Gallo will, hopefully, cement the Nuggets into the playoffs.
Mar 12, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) dribbles the ball in front of Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 109-91. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Rodney Hood, Utah Jazz
Rodney Hood is a vital part of Utah’s offensive game.
Hood is currently out “indefinitely” but his injury status has not been updated since February 2, so the wait continues to see when Utah will see their beloved scorer back on the floor.
Hood was having a very good season for the Jazz until he got hurt.
Utah is now having to spilt minutes between the vets: Joe Johnson and Joe Ingles.
Gordon Hayward and George Hill have stepped up and are now producing more on the offensive side, which is good for Utah.
Utah is currently at the 4 seed in the West and they can sustain moving down a spot or two. If they’re in the playoffs at the end of regular season, they’re happy.
The Jazz can give any team in the Western conference a run for their money if every player is healthy.
Oct 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) stands on the court in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The Celtics defeated the Hornets 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Avery Bradley, Boston Celtics
Avery Bradley has been an integral part of Boston’s offense this season. In past seasons, he was known for his defensive ability but has blossomed in the Celtics’ offense this season.
He has slacked on defense a little bit this season but has made up for the loss on the defensive side by increasing his offensive production.
With the loss of Bradley, Brad Stevens, the Celtics’ coach, is left with two options. He can either start Jaylen Brown or Marcus Smart.
Both are very good on defense, but still need to develop their offensive ability.
Stevens has started to go with Jaylen Brown, purely because he is bigger than Marcus Smart, and can guard shooting guards a little easier because of his length.
The offense will be taking a hit because without the production of Bradley expect Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown to start scoring more points.
Smart has shown growth in his offense this season and Brown will continue to grow for the Celtics.
Celtics fans shouldn’t worry because the Celtics will be in the playoffs and Bradley will be back in time to compete in the playoffs. This is just a minor bump in the road.
Nov 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Paul, LA Clippers
This is a tough break for the Clippers. Chris Paul is the main facilitator of Los Angeles’ offense, not to mention a “Point God.”
The question was, how will the Clippers survive without Chris Paul at the helm of the team?
The answer: Austin Rivers?
I know I know, not the best answer but hey you do what is necessary in the heat of the moment. Raymond Felton has also had an increase in minutes for the Clips. Chris Paul cannot get back onto the floor sooner for LA.
They just do not look like the same team as they normally do.
Hopefully, Paul can get back soon enough to correct all the problems the Clips are facing without him.
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