Who else thinks KG might still play this season?
by SalmonAndMashedPotatoes on Apr 16, 2009 8:51 PM EDT
7 comments
Here's what I think I know about KG's knee:
There are two separate, unrelated issues regarding KG's knee: 1.) a bone spur and 2.) a strained tendon. It's the tendon that might require surgery after the season, but it's the lingering tendon strain that's keeping him out right now.
Apparently, they thought the tendon strain would heal faster than it did (or didn't, as the case may be) and that's why we've been subjected to a moving timeline (FYI: I'm not a nut who thinks the Cs hid anything--medicine is an art, and there are no absolutes). For now, KG's out for at least the 1st round, probably the playoffs.
I understand the necessity of Doc wanting to move past the distraction and basically proceed at this point like KG is not going to come back. That's the smart move. Rally the troops and don't let them have ANY expectation that KG will come back and make everything better. Great coaching move. But it seems like he's drastically downplaying the possibility that KG's knee improves in the next 4 weeks.
From what the papers say, KG's 70% right now. Who's to say that doesn't improve in 2-4 weeks? At what point is he healthy enough to come back? 80%? 85%? 90%?
It's not impossible for him to get healthy enough to make another comeback. Hell, he already came back once this season. Why can't he do it again? Why not keep him in your back pocket, like a joker, and pull him out when the chips are down? If there's nothing structurally wrong, it would seem like you could bring him back for a game here or there as needed, doesn't it?
Personally, I think KG will make at least one more appearance on the court this season, perhaps in a surprise move at the beginning of the Cleveland series in an attempt to steal one on their homecourt. Presumably, the Cs could keep continue to treat KG's injury, not devulge whether he's getting better or not (at this point, it's wise for them to just not say anything), and then, once he has a couple good days in a row, spring him on the Cavs. Just a thought.
And here's another thought, which I hope some of the medically-minded posters will answer for me (like Wahz or cordobes, who seems to know everything): why can't KG inject some Autologous Conditioned Plasma like Hines Ward did to help speed up the healing of his strained tendon? If we're just waiting on that tendon to heal, why not help it along?
Be respectful and keep it clean. Thanks.
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Theres no way KG or the Celtics are going to risk Kevin Garnetts career for him to come back in an attempt to steal a game on clevelands homecourt if he isnt healthy, thats just not going to happen, and isnt even worth it.
If we even make the ECF, that means we’re probably playing pretty good and would clearly not even want to attemp to throw KG into the fire after not playing competive basketball in 2 months and not being in game shape.
I think its 100% chance the next time we see KG playing is training camp
by TheAncientRivalry on Apr 16, 2009 9:36 PM EDT reply actions
The knee is structurally sound
Apparently, it’s only a pain/swelling/stiffness issue that’s keeping him sidelined. If those things go away and stay away, he’s good to go. They wouldn’t be risking his long term health.
As for rustiness angle, and whether KG could jump back into the fire after being off for 2 months…that’s a good point. But KG was pretty sharp in his first comeback, so I’m not too worried about that. I’d also assume that he’d be on a minutes limitation as well, which would help mitigate not being in 100% game shape.
by SalmonAndMashedPotatoes on Apr 16, 2009 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
That's what they are doing....
He’ll be on the roster and the bench for the postseason…you summed it up…Doc did what he was supposed to but that doesn’t mean he isn’t thinking just like you…in fact I guarantee he is…The only question becomes…if he doesn’t play in a game and we advance to play Cleveland, do we really try to work him back in? Sure we would be big underdogs against Cleveland, but if Kevin Garnett has not played in 3 months, how well could he possibly perform? If this team is rolling, might it make some sense to just roll the dice? I guess it all just depends on how Garnett looks in practice. Either way, this postseason is gonna be intense.
Pierce has a chance to truly prove himself. There is no more option 1 and option 1a. This is now Pierce’s team, and how far he takes them this season will drastically impact his legacy. The great part is you know he’s ready. Part of him is probably excited about the challenge of putting this team on his back and trying to outplay Kobe and Lebron again. Sure will be fun…
SCOTT
I agree with you, to a degree
Paul will need to have a great playoff for us to have a chance, especially on the defensive end. Nobody thinks he’s on the level w/LeBron, Wade, and Kobe and that’s mighty motivation for him to prove everybody wrong. That said…
This team is at it’s best when Rondo has the ball in his hands. If anyone can step up their game and somehow make up for KG’s absence, it’s Rondo. Not only for what he can do individually, but what he can do for the offense as a whole (creating easy buckets for others, setting the tone on the defensive end). If Rondo can make the Leap during this playoffs, all of a sudden we’ll be rolling with 3 All-Stars…again. No doubt, Pierce has to be BIG, but he also has to be mature enough to know that the ball needs to go through Rondo. If Paul tries to take it all on his shoulders, we’ll be sunk. I don’t think that’ll happen…but it’s a concern now that KG is out (for the 1st round, at least).
by SalmonAndMashedPotatoes on Apr 16, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Rondo is definitely the key, but don't under-rate Ray
The C’s can achieve an historic underdog run if the back-court mashes up the competition. I think the Bulls have the toughest one-two in the East portion of the trial. You are spot on with Rondo, but the whole thing for Pierce is his trust in Ray … Offense is not going to be a problem. Rajon’s lead of the defense is the only hurdle to upset city in Cleveland and Los Angeles. Perk is ready back there, and we have the bench versatility to keep shooting centers like Miller and Ilguaskus from getting him out of the paint even with KG in absentia.
Kevin can dictate if he wants to play and risk what remains of his career after 14 seasons of intense and harrowing NBA action … if there even is risk. You are spot on. Boston is pulling some old houdini moves that go back to Cousy’s coach, the greatest … Red and Russ know how to keep the brash Cavaliers and the diffident cherubim of Los Angeles off-balance, and Doc and Danny drove themselves to great levels to scheme and adjust this year. Wait for it …
The question about the Hines Ward injection, I have got to know the answer to … Great thought. KG will have his operation after the Celts leave the playoffs. Otherwise he’d be announcing that thing already. He is waiting and weighing when to tell Doc he’s going out there. Boston has become savvy as champs on when to use their strength … and after making Baby cry, Big Ticket passed something of his soul into Davis … we will march … as good as that meal of a tag you’ve got sounds, let’s start by cooking some Salmons with Miller to show what late-season moves really are in Danny’s honor. God speed on your recovery number 44. Let’s see who steps up to honor his vision on Saturday. I won’t be surprised if guys are fighting to get in the game off the Celtic bench by the end of it, or if it takes a savvy play by Rondo to burn Rose and turn the tide in a late comeback. All that will shock me in this playoff run is if I stop thinking about the team for more than fifteen minutes.
PGDB
by CeltiCpRide79 on Apr 17, 2009 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Who else thinks KG might still play this season?
I do believe and have great hopes, that is all plausible.
Imagine …
Indefatigable on Defence defines these Celtics~
Just 1 day??????
I think there’s something up with doc rivers and surprise the other teams. The celtics need a miracle to go all the way to the playoffs ray allen paul pierce and rajon rondo need there game to step it up and one more thing I remember when doc said that kg was doing better in his first game and last week practice and then now he said that he cant really move at all for like what 1 day thats really nothing well I really think is that kg will comeback somewhere around the playoffs but no 1 knows when I still have hope for the celtics to win it all at least play kg some minutes to make everyone fired up and hey they’re the celtics they never give up they’ll fight all the way to the finals with or without kg on the court.
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