NBA: Weekly Injury Report
Gordon Hayward - Fractured Tibia & Dislocated Ankle (10/17): Gordon Hayward of the Boston Celtics suffered one of the most gruesome injures on the hardwood since Paul George broke his leg in 2014 during the U.S.A. Blue vs. White scrimmage. Just five minutes into the first quarter of his Celtics debut and season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Hayward attempted to receive a lob pass from Kyrie Irving. Hayward collided with bodies mid-air and landed awkwardly on his leg and ankle seemingly breaking his tibia and dislocating his ankle at the point of impact. To make it perfectly clear, it was no one’s fault, injuries are unfortunately a part of the game. However, no one involved could anticipate that Hayward would get injured making a play he's probably finished hundreds of times. Irving saw an opening, LeBron James and others were trying to protect their basket and Hayward was attempting to make a play to potentially score. Fans, teammates, and opponents alike grimaced while witnessing Hayward's left leg twist in a very unnatural position near the ankle. He was visibly shaken up before being taken off the court by the medical staff by stretcher to cheers and well wishes. On a more positive note, it has been reported that the injury was a clean break with minimal damage to other parts of Hayward’s leg. Hayward is expected to make a full recovery and the healing process usually takes between 4-6 months. Although very unlikely, it is a small possibility for Hayward to come back in time for the playoffs. He will have a long, emotional, and physical journey ahead to a full recovery but the way Hayward has improved from his rookie season to becoming an All-star in his seventh season, there's no doubt he'll come back stronger than before. The Celtics will have a hard time trying to replace the All-Star forward but should be granted a $8.4 million disabled player exception to fill the position. Boston traded depth away for Irving, who will now have to shoulder much of the scoring load.
Chris Paul – Bruised Knee (10/17): Sources confirmed to ESPN that Houston Rockets guard Chris Paul has been said to miss between 2-4 weeks with a bruised left knee. During the preseason against the Memphis Grizzles, Paul initially injured his knee after banging knees with guard Mario Chalmers. Paul must've re-aggravated his knee against the Golden State Warriors while playing 33 minutes and tallying four points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists in the season opener. Paul hobbled off the court to the bench during the second half of the game and never returned to action while Houston went on to win 122-121 against the defending champs. Fortunately for the Rockets, they have seen much success with James Harden as the sole orchestrator on offense, but they will be a much better team when Chris Paul gets acclimated to Mike D'Antoni's signature play-style.
Nikola Mirotic - Facial Fractures (10/17): Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic is expected to miss 4-6 weeks after an altercation during practice with teammate Bobby Portis, suffering two broken facial bones and a concussion. Mirotic and Portis were talking trash to each other during practice, going back-and-forth which prompted Mirotic to charge towards Portis twice. Portis landed a punch to Mirotic's upper jaw and he hit the ground and laid there for several minutes before getting up, according to league sources. Portis has been suspended by the league for eight games. It isn’t clear if there will be any further disciplinary action for Portis. At the moment, Mirotic may be the Bulls’ best perimeter player and would need him if they hope to be competitive. Portis is behind Mirotic on the depth chart and felt his hard work over the summer went unnoticed, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times. The feud had been allegedly brewing over the past few seasons.
Jeremy Lin – Ruptured Patellar Tendon (10/18): After crashing to the floor a fearful Jeremy Lin instantly grabbed his right leg and said “I'm done, I'm done, I'm done." Lin is most likely out for the remainder of the 2017-18 season after suffering a ruptured patellar tendon to his right knee. Lin slashed to the basket for a layup during the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Indiana Pacers in what appeared to be a non-contact injury before planting awkwardly. Lin and D'Angelo Russell combined for 48 points and were looking like a great pairing in their first action of the regular season together. Russell will most likely slide to the point guard position while Allen Crabbe may see some minutes at the two spot. Unfortunately, Lin hasn't been able to stay healthy to fully reach his potential post “Linsanity” having suffered a series of nagging injuries throughout his career. This injury is the most significant injury thus far, but he is expected to make a full recovery after successful surgery. The Nets will be without their best perimeter defender in Lin and will have to use their depth at the one if Brooklyn has any hope of competing for a playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference.
Derrick Rose - Left Ankle Sprain (10/20): Cleveland Cavaliers guard Derrick Rose suffered an ankle injury during the fourth quarter of a road win against the Milwaukee Bucks 116-97. Following the game, in regards to Rose's knee, head coach Tyronn Lue said “It doesn't look good.” Rose landed awkwardly on his left ankle after attempting to make a left handed lay-up which resulted in strong contact by Bucks center Greg Monroe. The ruling on the floor was simply a common foul. After the game, Rose vehemently opposed the foul call believing it should've resulted in a flagrant foul. As of Saturday afternoon the foul was upgraded to a flagrant one by the NBA. Rose is no stranger to injuries. After suffering a major injury in 2012, Rose has been significantly injured every following season ranging from a torn ACL to a torn meniscus. Rose remains adamant that he's still an elite player and is out to prove his naysayers wrong by signing to the Cavaliers for only one-year worth $2.1 million. Before being injured, Rose logged 23 minutes of playing time, shooting 3-of-4 from the field resulting in 12 points.
Rodney Hood- Left Calf Strain (10/20): Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood landed on the foot of Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl Anthony-Towns while attempting to avoid a screen. The injury occurred during the fourth quarter around the six minute mark of what was a closely contested affair. Hood hit the floor and immediately felt the back of his leg and his Achilles. Hood couldn't put any pressure on his left leg and had to be carried off the court by his teammates. What appeared to be an apparent achilles injury was assessed as a left calf strain, but the Jazz are reporting that Hood needs to be further evaluated. After losing Gordon Hayward to Boston via free agency, Utah will need Hood to shoulder some of the scoring load. Before the injury, Hood went for 20 points shooting an efficient 7-of-12 from the field.
Photo Credit: Sports Illustrated & USA Today.
