Wednesday 23 July 2014

Comeback Kids


Everyone loves a comeback story. After seeing Russell Westbrook as his dominant self in the playoffs, fans generally forgot the fact that he had recently endured eight million knee surgeries. His comeback, and return to past form was literally unfathomably smooth. In retrospect it seems unbelievable that a person could undertake 3 knee surgeries, (the knee being an important part of the leg and the leg an important part of basketball) within a year and still be able to contribute and any level. Although he returned with next to no hiccups, to the outrageously athletic and explosive form of not really playing defence "most of the time" level that he usually competes at.
On top of that he averaged 26 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds a game during the post season, something that hasn't been done since the Big O.
He absolutely deserved the ESPYS award for best comeback athlete of the year.

Although I want, and the NBA world needs another one. The League needs Derrick Rose back.


An injury of any form is awful to comprehend and deal whether it's your own, a team mate's or your favourite player's.
But to see a superstar forced to the sideline for the best part of 2 years is demoralising.
I'm not a Rose or Chicago fan, yet I miss Derrick. No one wants to see someone as exciting as he having to fight injuries just to get on the court at this young point in his career.
He has always been ridden for not having a good enough shot as "his shot mechanics are not fluid," and he isn't a vocal enough leader as well as an average defender. I agree, he generally took far to many deep threes relative to his shooting percentage, but all players have flaws, and really, I don't give a flip about any of that right now. I just want him back on the court.
Explosive, blindingly quick, handles like a F1 car and one of the best finishes around. An MVP calibre player, even if he did win the "can't be stuffed voting for LeBron this year," trophy.
Derrick Rose needs to come back.




The East desperately needs him, if he can be healthy this year, there is no reason why the Bulls don't win the East. Not because they will be great, but because the East sucks. Washington could be up there, but they are young still, Miami will be strong but will have to adapt to their new changes, plus Wade is a question mark. The Pacers had no offence last year and just lost their primary offensive source. Cleveland have a lot to figure out, they will be good, because they have the best player in the L, although it always takes time to sort out how players work together on a new team. And that will be even more noticeable if they get Kevin Love. Yeah they will have a great "Big 3," but they are going to have a lot of issues as well. LeBron and kyrie both need the ball, and both work out of Isolations, Love isn't a rim stopper and Varajao can only play 30 games a season. Then they have whoever they don't trade and some old people most likely, it will take time.
Remember Miami's big three was "a bust" most of their first year together, and those three were far better than the three Cleveland could possibly put together.

(In saying that, if there was a market for it, Im betting that whoever comes out of the West will sweep the team that comes out of the East).

The Bulls biggest problem last year was scoring the ball. A healthy Rose does that. Pau also provides options for them on the court. With their offensive floor general back, the Bulls will be good again.

Basketball needs Derrick to come back. He is too much of a distinctive player not too. A successful return will be great for the League, because no one wants to have to consider T-Mac in this situation.

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