5 Injuries that will impact the 2019 NBA playoffs
Injuries in the NBA can be both a blessing in disguise and somewhat of a curse. For example, during the 1996-97 season, “The Admiral” David Robinson played in only 6 games due to back problems and then a broken foot.
As a result, San Antonio Spurs limped to a 20-62 record that season. If that injury was a curse, the blessing was immediately received in June of 1997 when the Spurs drafted 1st overall Tim Duncan.
This led to the Spurs becoming NBA Champions just two years later in 1999. The same San Antonio Spurs were forced to trade their superstar Kawhi Leonard this past offseason due to a perceived mishandling of his injury troubles last year that cost him 73 games.
The Boston Celtics made huge roster upgrades two offseasons ago when they traded for Kyrie Irving and added former Utah Jazz Star Gordon Hayward to their roster.
They lost Hayward last season 5 minutes into the first game to a gruesome leg and ankle injury. In March of last year, the Celtics lost Irving to a knee injury. However, the blessing was they discovered just how good their young talent and depth was as they proceeded to push a LeBron James led Cleveland Cavaliers to a 6 game Eastern Conference Final.
Injuries have ended or shortened careers of many players who had hopes and dreams of being an NBA superstar or champion. Players like Derrick Rose was just a few years ago considered a perennial MVP candidate.
There is a long list of players past and present that fans can look back and wonder what would have been had a certain player not lost games or seasons to injury.
Here's a look at 5 injuries that will impact the NBA playoffs in 2019:
#5 Victor Oladipo
Indiana Pacers were hoping to prove to everybody that they belong in conversation with the top teams in the Eastern Conference. In fact, they currently have a better record than everyone’s favourites the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Pacers’ hopes and expectations may have to be put on hold for the time being. On Wednesday night in Indiana, the Pacers beat the Toronto Raptors 110-106 but lost the NBA’s MIP from last season to a right knee injury. Victor Oladipo's season has ended now.
Earlier this season Oladipo missed 11 games to a right knee bone bruise. The Pacers were 7-4 during that time. However, the Pacers knew Oladipo was coming back. He isn’t after this injury though.
It's hard to continue playing at the same pace the Pacers are when you have to play your 2nd and 3rd string players for extended periods of time. Eleven games without Oladipo, in the early season is one thing, but 35 games as teams are jockeying for playoff position is another.
The Pacers will definitely have to lean on veteran Tyreke Evans to fill in for Oladipo.