http://lakeshowlife.com/2015/09/08/julius-randle-had-one-of-many-2014-draft-injuries/ Here's my take on injuries to young players. There's actually a lot more to be said, but I ran short on time to get this piece out there. I'll try to write a followup to this in the coming weeks.
Nice start. Excited to read the rest. Was listening to an NFL podcast the other day, they were discussing the injury problem in the NFL. One guy suggested that the lack of contact, and softness of today's NFL game (same thing applies to the NBA) causes players to over-train their endurance and agility and fast-twitch muscles instead of brute strength. He was saying now in training camp and practice players aren't used to taking hits - entirely different problem in football - but I think it applies to the NBA. Players are overtraining the above, putting more stress on their joints/ligaments because the game is more about speed and finesse then strength. In the 80's and 90's guys muscled their way into the paint and we just don't see as much of that today. We see all-world athleticism but less contact. Maybe, just maybe that's playing a role. Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, John Wall, to name a few, come to mind. All have had injury issues.
Certainly the emphasis on explosive movement is a huge problem. Athletes like Westbrook and Rose have limited skill compared to their athletic talents and they rely on those talents far too often. I've said it for years: the human body isn't meant to move the way that those two move. That's why they'll continue to pile up injuries.
I played basketball in high school and our coaches always encouraged us to play something besides basketball in the off season. I'm no expert but it was something along the lines of "use different mussels, don't put a strain on body parts that you use to play basketball.". A lot of us ended up picking up swimming and we were never injured (except for a couple finger and ankle injuries here and there.) NBA players these days play basketball 24/7 365. Outside of the NBA season some players will play internationally, if not then in pick up games, or things like the Drew League.
That's precisely the point. There's so much money at stake that a lot of these kids end up playing year round for more coverage, more endorsements, more exposure. It's better to take the summers/off-season doing things other than basketball. At least at a high, competitive level.
Like Kobe always did other things and cross trained in the off season. Just teasing(!), and again to the last of a breed we may likely never see again in the league. Kobe, with his insane willingness and ability to play far much more through all kinds of injuries, and his insane, legendary basketball work ethic "year round" is like 1 or 2 or 3 guys in the history of the NBA that probably will never be seen again. Kobe earned every penny of every season he was given a contract when the totality of what he gave and continues to give to the Lakers is factored in.
Kobe has dealt with a TON of injuries in his time, but he also didn't play like the kids to day do even when he was younger. Kobe was always far, far, far more skilled than people realize and didn't rely on the talents and athleticism he was born with. Sure he jumped and sprinted like every basketball player, but he didn't NEED it to be successful. He had footwork, smarts, body positioning, etc etc etc. Does Westbrook play that way? Does Rose? Hell no.
Good stuff. It's one of the reasons I'm so hesitant on pursuing a guy like Westbrook in 2 years or so or anybody else who plays so similar to him...
Oh yeah would agree. Was not disagreeing in that regard. Failed reaching for humor with Kobe not taking time off or cross training.....
Well it's one thing to compare to Kobe though. Kobe is one of the Top 10 players of all time and might be the best Laker of all time. You won't see that every day.
Good, you agree ..... "Kobe, with his insane willingness and ability to play far much more through all kinds of injuries, and his insane, legendary basketball work ethic "year round" is like 1 or 2 or 3 guys in the history of the NBA that probably will never be seen again."
