2 min read • September 29, 2022
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After the longest offseason the NBA has had since summer 2019 all 30 teams re-convened for media day over the last week and, while much of the talk was about off-the-court controversies in major markets, there were plenty of important injury updates to note.
Clippers' reticent superstar Kawhi Leonard missed all of last season recovering from a May 2021 torn ACL but is practicing without limitations and trending towards a return opening night.
Beyond just healthy, head coach Tyron Lue said Leonard is noticeably stronger than he was when he last played, which Leonard contributed to lifting constantly during rehab.
Along with Leonard, the Clippers will be endowed with a healthy Paul George, Norman Powell, and newly-acquired (and rested) John Wall.
Zion Williamson showed up to media day looking much more svelte since the last time he appeared in public for the Pelicans.
The former No. 1 overall pick has played only 85 games in his first three seasons because of a torn meniscus and a persistent stress fracture in his foot but should be able to return game one without limitations.
Williamson averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds on 61.1% shooting in his last (and only) full season and has the 11th-best odds to win MVP at +3000 with FanDuel Sportsbook.
The most puzzling injury situation in the league remains versatile point guard Lonzo Ball, who just underwent the second surgery on his left knee since suffering a torn meniscus on January 14.
The Bulls' catalyst said he still can't run or jump without pain in his left knee and there has been reported concern that the bone bruise hasn't properly healed and put his recovery at a standstill for the better part of six months.
The Pro Basketball Docs, including Dr. David Chao and former Bulls' team doctor Dr. John
Hefferon, first said last April that Ball would have to undergo another knee surgery to address the chronic soreness because of his lack of recovery.
The team has yet to place an official timetable for his recovery.
The Celtics initially announced that Robert Williams III would undergo surgery on his ailing left knee and miss 4-to-6 weeks; then he had the surgery, which reportedly removed loose bodies and addressed swelling and will now take up to three months to rehab.
The 24-year-old, who signed a four-year extension over the offseason, is likely suffering from the effects of wear-and-tear arthritis after repeated surgeries and trauma, according to the Pro Basketball Docs.
The Celtics will likely be cautious with the undersized center who was one of the most impactful defensive players in the NBA last season.
The Nuggets have made the playoffs in four consecutive seasons but have progressively been eliminated earlier the past two seasons while managing the absences of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Both are back with the team and practicing fully with no physical limitations after missing the entire 2021-22 season with a torn ACL and lumbar nerve issue, respectively.
While Murray appears to be re-integrating seamlessly, Porter Jr. and head coach Michael Malone are reportedly still working out how much the blue-chip 3-and-D wing will play this season after undergoing his third back surgery.
Ben Simmons hasn't played in an NBA game since late May 2021 due to a combination of mental health issues, a herniated disc, and unhappiness with his situation in Philadelphia.
Of those issues, only one could be addressed with surgery, which Simmons underwent over the offseason.
The reclusive star is in line to return to the court and make his debut with the Nets next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving imminently.
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"I feel like I'm at my best right now... Moving faster, jumping higher. I feel great." -@Zionwilliamson
Can confirm Kawhi Leonard is still automatic from the midrange.
Jamal dunk and buzzer beater? Can’t beat it 😊
