Injuries have plagued the key go-to players for several NBA teams this season with the result of losses that diminished the hopes of very promising teams entering the finals. The Lakers, without Kobe Bryant, really had no chance. The Thunder and the Bulls put up a fabulous fight in their respective Conference semifinals without Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose. In fact, Kevin Durant just looked lonely without Westbrook. The Celtics just kept looking short-handed without Rajon Rondo. And even though David Lee decided to come into one game to help his team, the Warriors are most definitely missing his presence. So what do they feel mentally?
Sitting on a bench or at home tweeting the game away with no real way to physically help the team. Missing the camaraderie that comes with professional sports because of surgery and doctor restrictions. Making the same quick moves before on the court and all of a sudden, this injury creeps up out of nowhere. And the return must be even scary or challenging? These are high performers and they must be at least as good as before or better. If not, the critics will nail them.
Clearly I can never measure up to their athleticism, but once I took the first step to run the next marathon I believed I could conquer it and I did - my best PR. So while everyone was pressuring Derrick Rose to make a move and suit up in the playoffs, he and all the others will do that in their own time - when they are ready mentally and physically. We, as fans, should just look forward to see how they overcome the challenge and maintain their greatness with some incredible comebacks. For whatever reason, it is part of their course.
