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Looking at the current NBA player injury report, it almost seems like every team is missing one (or in some unfortunate cases, a few) key players.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: Injuries certainly aren't ideal, but every team has to deal with them.
Here are few that are currently being dealt with:
Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics
According to reports, Bradley will be out for another few weeks, at least until mid-December. While he's currently traveling with the team and working on his jump shot during warmups, he is not participating in full contact drills. The Celtics can't wait to get Bradley back, as he's earned a reputation for being an extremely talented perimeter defender.
Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls
After suffering that gruesome slash heartbreaking knee injury in the first round of the playoffs last year, (an injury that essentially took them out of NBA Finals contention), Rose is still in recovery mode. He's set to return mid-January but due to the nature of his injury, will take more time to heal if necessary. As much as the Bulls want their franchise player back in the lineup, they are not going to rush his recovery. The good news is Rose just recently began cutting in practice. The bad news is, with Rose out this season, the Bulls are below .500 at 6-7.
Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers
We all remember the freak accident that resulted in a broken hand for Irving earlier this preseason. If you don't, he made an errant pass in a game, was mad at himself, and punched a wall. We've all been there, right? Well, unfortunately, a freak accident found him with a broken finger recently and will have him out until late December. "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support" Irving tweeted.
Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks
The three point shooting seven footer, who hasn't played in a game yet this season, will continue to be a spectator for another few weeks due to a knee injury. Dirk is set to make his return to the lineup sometime in mid-December and Mavs owner Mark Cuban probably can't wait given the fact Nowitzki averaged more than 21 points per game last year.
Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers
There's no question this injury hurts Indiana; Granger was the Pacers leading scorer before being sidelined after having an injection three weeks ago to treat patellar tendinosis. The Pacers better get used to life without Granger, as he isn't scheduled to return until mid-February.
Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers
By the way the Clippers have been playing, you might not have even noticed they've been balling without Chauncey Billups in the lineup. Chauncey is almost done rehabbing an injured achilles and is planning on being back in action mid-December which means the Clips are about to get even better. I'm sure in the meantime, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue to have everything under control.
Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers probably didn't foresee Steve Nash getting injured within the first few games of the season when they traded for him a few months back. Then again, the 38 year old is getting any younger. Nash is set to return by mid-December and knowing how much the veteran point guard will help their team, the Lakers can't wait. "When Steve comes back, things will change. You have one of the greatest point guards of all times that you're missing out of the lineup. It changes things," said superstar teammate Kobe Bryant. Even new Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Nash for many years in Phoenix highlighted his importance in the lineup. "In Phoenix, we couldn't win without him," D'Antoni admitted.
Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat
While Battier might not be one of the most talked about players on the Miami Heat, no one doubts his immense contribution night in-night out. Battier is an amazing defender and hits the open three. Thankfully to his teammates, his recent knee injury will only have him missing a few games; Battier should be back early to mid-December.
Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, Ricky Rubio, all knee injuries, Minnesota Timberwolves
At this point, it's almost as if you should be careful going to play in Minnesota because you might hurt your knee. All three players, Budinger, Roy and Rubio are currently sidelined with versions of knee injuries. Budinger will be out until March but thankfully, Roy and Rubio should return mid-December. Let's hope.
Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis, knee injuries, New York Knicks
It's pretty amazing how well the Knicks have been playing with Carmelo Anthony at the helm and Stoudemire and Davis both out with injuries. Davis will unfortunately be out for the season but Stoudemire is set to return mid-December. How will the Knicks work Stoudemire into the rotation when the team is 9-4 without him? It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with Amare on the court.
Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers
Just when I thought Bynum would go to Philadelphia and grow into the best center in the league, he injured his knee. Again. And then he went bowling, and got injured again. He's got all of the talent in the world but can't seem to stay healthy. Barring any further bowling incidents, a healthy Bynum will be in the lineup by the end of December. Fingers crossed, Philadelphians.
John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards
If there's one team in the NBA who truly cannot afford an injury right now, it's the Wizards. They are currently 0-12 and their star player, Wall, is sitting on the bench with knee injury. The good news? Wall is supposed to be back by the end of this month and there's only one way for the Wizards to go from here.
Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets
A stress fracture in Davis' ankle isn't helping the Hornets one bit. The team is currently 3-9 on the season. Davis played the first six games and put up huge numbers, averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Pretty remarkable for a freshman. What's also remarkable is how much of an impact he's had because the Hornets haven't won without him. Since his injury, they are 0-6. Davis is said to be out until mid-December.
