Dropping Like Flies

While there hasn’t been hugely exciting news in the basketball world since games just began, players are already afflicted with injuries. Obviously, NBA players choose to sit out and rest at certain points in the season, but it appears these athletes’ health problems are more severe:

1. Manu Ginobili

I would say part of what makes it fun to watch this player is hearing the commentators’ feeble attempts at pronouncing his name. As a Guard for the San Antonio Spurs, Ginobili is part of the Spurs trio that includes Tim Duncan and Tony Parker (Eva Longoria’s ex-husband). In this past week he announced that he will undergo surgery on his broken left hand which will entail screwing on a metal plate to his palm; the procedure will keep him out of play for 6 to 8 weeks. You’re savvy enough to know that, in basketball, the inability to use your hands makes you more or less useless on the court. It remains to be seen if he’ll come back in full force.

2. Dwayne Wade

You’ve probably heard his name in connection with LeBron James, as both teammates have worked together to make the Miami Heat franchise an NBA powerhouse. However, after landing strangely in a game last week, Wade has complained of pains on the sole of his foot. He has not decided to sit out indefinitely but he did announce that he is unsure if he will participate in Thursday’s game against Atlanta. He missed tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers so Heat fans have their fingers crossed that he feels better rested to return to the court soon.

3. Zach Randolph

I’ve never thought the Memphis Grizzlies were the team to watch but given this player’s leadership last summer, they were able to rise through the NBA ranks. Unfortunately for Memphis fans, however, Randolph has come down with a torn MCL. As someone that has torn an ACL, I can speak from personal experience that knee problems are the most debilitating injuries to a basketball player. Not only are you not able to run or pivot (essential to the fast-paced game) but all conditioning is lost for at least two months as you are restricted to stationary bikes and minimal walking. Additionally, upon returning to the court, it is a struggle to overcome the fear that you might hurt yourself again and potentially destroy the ability to run competitively forever. As the Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins so aptly said, “That’s life.” True story.