The 2022-23 NBA season will see several stars return to action. The likes of Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons, among others, will take to the court after being on the sidelines for well over 400 days. The league looks a lot more competitive now than it did last season.
However, basketball fans may have to wait longer to see each team at full strength, as several players will miss time entering the 2022-23 NBA season due to injuries.
Here’s a look at the top five players dealing with injuries ahead of the new season.
#1 Lonzo Ball
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee in January. Ball was scheduled to return for the playoffs but suffered several setbacks in his recovery before the Bulls shut him down for the season. He continued to experience pain in his knee while engaging in highly physical activities during the 2022 offseason.
Lonzo Ball revealed after media day that he could not run or jump due to his injured knee. He decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery on September 28th. According to reports, the Bulls are confident that Ball will return during the 2022-23 NBA season, but he will be out for a few months.
#2 Jaren Jackson Jr.
The Memphis Grizzlies will begin their 2022-23 NBA season without big man Jaren Jackson Jr. The power forward underwent surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot on June 30th. The initial timeline for his return was four-to-six months from the time he underwent surgery.
Jackson will miss the start of the season as per that timeline. The power forward is recovering well, though. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins revealed on September 26th that the timeline remains the same for Jackson’s return, but he has been progressing well.
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been injury prone, so the Grizzlies will likely be patient with his comeback. There is a bright chance Jackson could make his season debut in 2023 as his six-month timeline ends on December 30th.
#3 Chris Middleton
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star forward Khris Middleton has had an injury-riddled year. Middleton was shut down two games into the playoffs after he suffered a sprained MCL. In the offseason, he underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.
Middleton sustained the injury after the 2022 NBA All-Star break but played through it as it wasn’t his dominant hand. There is no timeline available for his return. However, Middleton revealed on media day that he would miss the opening night game. He said he could be back sometime near the beginning of the season.
#4 Robert Williams III
The Boston Celtics will be hoping they can help budding star Robert Williams III hit his peak physical conditioning after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on September 23rd.
Williams emerged as a crucial player for Boston last season. He is one of the premier rim protectors in the NBA. Williams played an integral role in helping the Celtics finish as the #1 defensive team in the league. Boston will hope Williams benefits from undergoing surgery to recover from his injury and stay available for long stretches.
#5 Ricky Rubio
Cleveland Cavaliers’ point guard Ricky Rubio could spend the most time away from the court once the 2022-23 NBA season starts on this list. Rubio sustained an ACL injury last December. The ideal timeline for him to make his comeback could be February next year.
The timeline generally linked to an ACL injury recovery is 12 months. However, the Cavs have the depth to deal with his absence and have him back 100% healthy closer to the playoffs.
Moreover, Rubio, 31, has sustained an ACL injury for the second time in his career, so they are likely to be cautious with his recovery and hope he is 100% closer to the playoffs.
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