As the 2023-24 NBA season nears its end, some teams are strategically resting key players in hopes of improving their draft lottery odds, while others are working hard to get injured stars back on the court for a playoff push. The New York Knicks recently announced that All-Star power forward Julius Randle will miss the remainder of the season due to shoulder surgery. His teammate Josh Hart expressed doubts about Randle and another injured starter, OG Anunoby, returning this season, especially given Randle’s extended absence.
Anunoby, a key player for the Knicks since joining from the Toronto Raptors, has been dealing with a right elbow injury that required surgery in January. Despite a brief return in March, he has experienced setbacks and remains sidelined. In another blow to teams vying for postseason success, Dallas Mavericks rookie center Dereck Lively II, a promising draft pick out of Duke, may also miss the remainder of the regular season due to a knee injury. However, Mavericks coach Jason Kidd remains hopeful that Lively will recover in time to contribute to a deep playoff run.
The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, have embraced tanking for the second consecutive season as they announced that All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen re-injured his right shoulder, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season. Markkanen, who has been a crucial part of the Jazz’s lineup, will be reevaluated after the season concludes. In his 55 games this season, Markkanen has been averaging impressive numbers, showcasing his importance to the team despite his injury setbacks.
Teams like the Knicks, Mavericks, and Jazz face uncertainty as they navigate the final stretch of the season without key players. The decisions to rest injured stars or push for a playoff berth can have significant implications on the team’s future success, draft positioning, and overall performance. While some teams opt for caution and long-term planning by shutting down players for the season, others are hoping for a speedy recovery to bolster their chances in the postseason. Overall, the management of injured players and the strategic approach to the final games of the season play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the teams in the NBA. It remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the teams’ performances and their prospects moving forward.
