Sports Column: NBA injuries prove as setback for some, step forward for others

Before the season began, the Oklahoma City Thunder knew it would be without its reigning MVP and superstar Kevin Durant. Due to a Jones fracture, Durant is expected to miss about six-to-eight weeks. Subsequently, a lot of weight fell on to the shoulders of fellow superstar teammate Russell Westbrook, but most did not expect was for him to get injured as well.

Westbrook fractured his right hand last Oct. 30 in a loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles. He was forced to leave the game about half way through the second quarter. The Thunder was already short handed that night, playing without guards Reggie Jackson and Jeremy Lamb. Jackson was able to play in Monday night’s loss to the Nets, but the “injured player” list goes on including Anthony Morrow, Grant Jerrett, Mitch McGary and Andre Roberson.

The Thunder is currently 2-5 having just come off a win against the Sacramento Kings in Oklahoma City Saturday night. Dealing with the loss of both of its stars, the Thunder will have a rough time in the start of the season, but may have the opportunity for redemption later on.

Over in Chicago, Derrick Rose suffered yet another injury, but not one nearly as devastating as his two previous ones. Oct. 31 against in the Cavs, Rose landed awkwardly on the heels of Kyrie Irving after shooting and making a jumper in the second quarter. Rose walked it off and continued to play, but eventually left the game midway through the fourth and did not return. It was later determined that he had sprained both of his ankles.

Rose sat out the following day in Minneapolis against the Timberwolves and after initially planning on playing Tuesday against the Magic, he decided to sit out again. Despite that, the Bulls prevailed and won both games, unlike the Thunder. This could in part have to do with the return of forward Taj Gibson and guard Jimmy Butler, who missed the first two games of the season due to a sprained thumb. Butler did not seem to miss a beat during play and put up 24 points against the Tinberwolves and 21 against the Magic. Maybe now Chicago will regret making him a low contract-extension offer.

Rose did start in the Bulls’ win over Milwaukee on Wednesday, however, he sat again for the following two games of which the Bulls barely beat Philly and fell to Boston on Friday and Saturday. Chicago is now 5-2 and will host the Detroit Pistons tonight.

The season is still young, but it is clear that the Thunder is much more dependent on its main men than it would like to admit. On the other hand, if anything were to happen to Rose, and I hope it does not, the Bulls seem to have it covered. They did manage to get to the playoffs without him.