The 2013-14 NBA season is back and in full swing but not without some interesting points of discussion. Let’s look at five topics that will surely become water cooler material as the winter moves along.
Will the “Walking Wounded” return to dominance?
There are three big names that are returning to the court this season after suffering significant injuries: Derek Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Kobe Bryant.
Current Chicago Bulls star and former league MVP, Derrick Rose, is back after a devastating knee injury suffered in the 2012 playoffs and a yearlong rehab process. To this point, Rose looks to have returned to his pre-injury explosiveness. The whirling dervish drives to the hoop and the kamikaze changes of direction against hapless defenders have returned. Rose also appears to have more confidence in his long-range jumper. It does seem that Rose and his Bulls teammates need to be reacquainted with each other. Rose seems to be pressing the issue in order to prove to the league that he’s back while his teammates seem slightly annoyed about his lack of sharing the ball. Give it time though, and the Bulls and Rose should return to the top half of the Eastern Conference standings.
Oklahoma City’s explosive point guard, Russell Westbrook, is looking to get back into action after suffering a meniscus tear in the playoffs last season. Westbrook made his return to action roughly three weeks ahead of schedule. He dropped 21 points and picked up seven assists in his 2013 debut against the Phoenix Suns in a 103-96 OKC win. Westbrook looks to be rounding back into form though, as he’s averaging 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game through 8 games.
The most notable and publicized return will likely come from the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, who has posted “1225” on his Twitter account. That may be a cryptic message about his proposed return for the Lakers Christmas Day game. Kobe loves when people doubt him and may be using all the media fodder for ammunition to spark his return. At age 34, Kobe has to manage his health wisely in order to avoid any setbacks. He has since returned to practice and teammates have been raving about his play, even after a long layoff. Time, maybe even Father Time, will determine when the Mamba returns to game action for the Lakers. When he does return, there will be no question that he will be back looking to reclaim his top spot in the NBA hierarchy.
Also of note is when Boston Celtics point guard, Rajon Rondo, will return. Keep an eye on Rondo and how his relationship with new coach, Brad Stevens, will evolve.
