But short of getting lucky in the lottery and moving up into the Top-4 (in a bad year to be lucky, even though I hate using the weak draft argument) or someone sustaining an injury (knock on wood that we're done with injuries this season) that would keep them out significant time next season, there isn't really a tactical advantage at this point to retreating.
It's the risk of long term injury that is worrisome. We have enough evidence that guys shouldn't be playing 40+ mins on the 4th game in 6 nights or on a b2b now. Especially when the reward for killing these guys is a first round matchup as an 8th seed. Ya i get it, it's easier said than done when it comes to telling someone like Dame to take a seat, but that's why the coach is paid millions.
Despite missing 4 games this season, Dame is still leading the league in total minutes played. After the deep playoff run last year I think it showed that we needed to try and keep Dame fresher for late season and for the playoffs. Unfortunately this year they don't really have a choice but to wear him down if playoffs are the only goal.
Yeah, I was the guy killing Stotts for playing Dame 38 minutes per game in October and November. Stotts even said they did a study that showed he'd be fine playing that much. So dumb.
I would argue there are 2. First, being conservative with our injured players. What benefit is there to risking re-injury by rushing their return? Second, increased playing time for Trent/Little/Simons/Gabriel. It'll be ugly in the short term, but if it means a stronger team next season isn't it worth it?
Keep in mind too that Stotts was the one who continued playing Dame heavy minutes for several games after learning that Dame's back was bother him too.
No one said anything about rushing returns though. Nurk is way, way, way past the recovery time for his injury from last season. They are already being super cautious with him. I don't think they'd play him if they weren't confident he was healthy. It's the opposite of rushing him back. With Collins, Olshey said he wouldn't play unless he was 110%. Again, they're going to be overly cautious so if he plays this year I suspect that he'd be completely healed. Now with Dame and a groin injury it's a little tougher to predict. He could be fine and have it flare up again. The thing is though that even if he re-injures it there wouldn't be a situation where it effects next season. It might actually be good for him to not play extra games this year by making the playoffs and have to rest because of the groin injury. I'm not saying it's a good thing but it's not like a knee, shoulder, or foot injury that could be a long term issue so if he wants to try and play I don't think it's the end of the world. As for the young guys, they have and could continue to get minutes this season anyway.
I’ve been posting before to rest Dame and CJ and let the kids play. Stotts and the players like to get to the playoffs so they can cash in with their bonuses.
More likely the team bean-counters, worried about losing the income from (at least) 2 extra games at the Moda.
I need to dig into this a bit, but I feel like every memorable star player in recent history has had at least one severe injury that has derailed a season altogether in their prime. MJ, year 2 broken foot, age 22 Kobe, Achilles Nique, Achilles Durant, Achilles Steph, ankles Rose, knees Melo, knee in 2014, missed 42 games PG, broken leg CP, hamstring Blake, knees Westbrook, knee Embiid, knee Oden, knees BRoy, knees Isiah, wrist, Grant Hill, ankles Tmac, knees Shaq, toe Penny, knees Duncan, knee in 2000 shut it down for the playoffs etc, etc etc Lebron is truly the anomaly. Harden is the other. Also shows how lucky and tough AI was. I really hope Dame/CJ both breaking their feet and being out a year in college is it for them.
Outside of the Blazers the guy I wish I could've seen have a career unabated by injuries was Dwade. He slowed down fairly quick as the injuries built up but that guy was so much fun to watch.
I missed a bunch of obvious guys in Klay, Kyrie and Kawhi. Seriously, think of any top player. Almost every single one has had a significant injury that took them out for at least half a season. Dame is due. Gulp
