Usually in the mornings you get your daily roundup, but I’m saving the recap for this afternoon so I can roll out the M*A*S*H unit now and give everyone updates on the most anticipated players still nursing injuries (not in any particular order, so pay not attention to the fact I’m leading off with Gerry Henderson). Hopefully this information will provide some assistance maneuvering trades and managing the waver wire.
Gerald Henderson – With the foot sprain, he is expected back around Thanksgiving (US holiday, not Canadian). His per game averages were pretty impressive as compared to prior years, but he only had 2 games, so I’m not anticipating his return that much.
Derrick Rose – He is on schedule with his rehabilitation. No date has been set yet for his return, but all reports seem to indicate mid-January. I’ve been saying January or February, and there’s no reason to expect the Bulls to rush Rose, and the Bulls go on an extended road trip from January 30 – February 8, so I would not be surprised to see him rejoin the team after that trip, around February 12.
Dirk Nowitzki – Not expected back for another four weeks, although his vocals seem to be fine.
Brandon Rush – His torn ACL will keep him out for the season. He’s still 20% owned despite the news coming a week and a half ago. It’s nice to see some people have already checked out by November.
Danny Granger – His knee injury appears to have him sidelined until late January or early February. That’s a shame, but obviously he’s not worth stashing in 10 or 12 team leagues.
Grant Hill – He was expected back soon, but the team says remains out indefinitely. Probably no one cares.
Chauncey Billups – His return was pushed back until early December, but otherwise appears to be moving along in his recovery/return.
Steve Nash – He should be back in a week or two to join up with new coach Mike D’antoni, whom he played with on the Suns. If you want to buy low on him, the window is rapidly closing and about to smash on your fingers.
Ricky Rubio – It looks like he will return late December or early January, and because he said he wants to take his time, I’d probably put more weight on the latter. I would be surprised to see him before Christmas.
Chase Budinger – The most recent report says he will miss a month to two months, so, he might be back by the end of December. He has a torn meniscus, so it’s not like we should see him back soon.
Kevin Love – He should return by early December, specifically about two weeks from now. A perfect Chanukah gift for those you Love.
Eric Gordon – He is in Los Angeles for his rehab. No timetable has been set, but I would be surprised to see him return before January. I have him in a deep league, and he’s going to continue to rot on my bench. I’m not expecting him back shortly, but I am expecting him back. Tick tock on the clock, I hope his rehab eventually stops.
Iman Shumpert – Told reporters he won’t be back until he’s ready, which translates to at least January, possibly February. The Knicks don’t need him, so there’s not going to be any pressure from the team.
Amar’e Stoudemire – I’ve heard everything from 4 to 6 to 8 weeks. I would expect him back around Christmas, maybe New Year’s Day. Hopefully he has a ride back to Madison Square Garden.
Hedo Turkoglu – Optimistic reports say early December for his return, but that’s the best case scenario. He was out a minimum of 4 weeks for right hand surgery, so that 4 weeks could easily turn into 6 weeks. Either way, he’ll be back by December.
Andrew Bynum – He is set to resume basketball activities around December 10th, but he may not actually play until January. Although I repeatedly warned about the injury risks, I take no joy in this; I still had him ranked in the top 20, and now it’s a question if he finishes in the top 20 for Centers. Hmm.
Nene Hilario – His plantar fasciitis and torn ligament in his foot puts him at least 3 weeks away, and probably late December. I might stash him now, not in a 10 team league, but maybe a 12 team league. It depends on if you can spare the roster spot. He’s a good source for rebounds and blocks with healthy point production.
John Wall – The last report I read said he was on the right track and heading in a good direction, but would also likely miss his anticipated November return. We probably see him sometime in December. If you can pry him away from an antsy owner after this “bad news” came out last week, I would certainly do so. It won’t be easy, but you’ll probably have better luck with a bottom ranked team.
