Why I am a little hopeful about JO

[Neurotic Guy]

I realize it is against general wisdom here to believe that JO will return to give us anything significant, but I'd like to present the case for why I am becoming increasingly hopeful about a productive return.

1) JO averaged 30 MPG in 68 and 70 games in 2008-9 and 2009-10 respectively.  In that span his offensive averages were about 14 and 7.  He actually played reasonably well in that span.  Unfortunately, an impaired (hurt) JO took the floor in the playoffs against Boston last year and he was awful.  The memory of his ineptitude in that series is emblazoned in many of our memories. But, the point here is that there is a recent history of JO playing 30 minutes per game and being productive.

2) Unlike Shaq, whose repeated delays have increased anxiety as to whether he will ever get better, JO has been right on schedule.  We should be fair in our reasoning for optimism and pessimism; if one player is generating worry because he is not sticking to his expected return dates, then we should at least be encouraged when another player is right on target with rehab and return.

3) There has been no swelling in 3 weeks of intensive workouts -- this is what I have been reading/hearing.  DA says he's lost 10-15 pounds (must be working hard), and that he looks great.  Yes, that part is from DA and can't be trusted, but they wouldn't be talking about a return if he wasn't continuing to meet progress benchmarks.

4) JO is younger than any of the Big 3.  He is a full year (actually, exactly to the day -- same birthday) younger than Paul Pierce -- the youngest of the Big 3.   Age, of course, doesn't really matter much. However, when we talk of Shaq at 39, we know we can't be looking at much of a window.  JO is a baby by comparison at 32.

5) Role.  JO doesn't need to play 30 minutes -- or bear any offensive load -- in order to help this team.  Give 15-20 minutes of hard defense (less if Shaq is back). Even without Shaq, the C's can be adequate at the C position with Krstic, KG and Baby filling out remaining minutes at the 5.   With Shaq back, he and JO could split 35 minutes in any number of configurations depending upon the match-ups and who is playing well. 


I realize this is wishful and perhaps unrealistic thinking.  JO has a chronic knee issue that will undoubtedly return to haunt him at some point.  But, his recovery appears to be right on track, and I am daring to be hopeful.

[Megatron]

JO and Shaq wont be back, and even if they are, they wont be in game shape and wont be useful for anything.

Krstic is better

-Majority of Celtic fans.



Of course we all know this isnt true. A 50 year old Shaq and JO would probably be better defensively then Krstic. Someone should make a video highlighing Krstics lack of defense.

[PosImpos]

JO and Shaq wont be back, and even if they are, they wont be in game shape and wont be useful for anything.

Krstic is better

-Majority of Celtic fans.



Of course we all know this isnt true. A 50 year old Shaq and JO would probably be better defensively then Krstic. Someone should make a video highlighing Krstics lack of defense.

[mgent]

Hasn't JO's only problem this year been swelling in the knee everytime he plays?  If he's gone 3 weeks with no trouble that's a good sign and i see no reason why he can't have a successful comeback.

[PosImpos]

Hasn't JO's only problem this year been swelling in the knee everytime he plays?  If he's gone 3 weeks with no trouble that's a good sign and i see no reason why he can't have a successful comeback.

The problem is just as you said, though - his knee starts to swell as soon as he begins playing.  He hasn't been actually playing, so it's hard to gauge whether the problem is really fixed / healed or whatever.

[ballin]

Anybody expecting JO to give us anything useful during playoffs is insane.

He's a broken shell of a man coming off injury. His offense and rebounding are so bad I'd almost rather have Krstic in.

Why, why god couldn't we have kept Perkins?

[anotherbanner]

Hasn't JO's only problem this year been swelling in the knee everytime he plays?  If he's gone 3 weeks with no trouble that's a good sign and i see no reason why he can't have a successful comeback.

The problem is just as you said, though - his knee starts to swell as soon as he begins playing.  He hasn't been actually playing, so it's hard to gauge whether the problem is really fixed / healed or whatever.

 I read on this site that he was playing one-on-one games.

[Neurotic Guy]

Anybody expecting JO to give us anything useful during playoffs is insane.

He's a broken shell of a man coming off injury. His offense and rebounding are so bad I'd almost rather have Krstic in.

Why, why god couldn't we have kept Perkins?

You must have inside information since all I've heard is that he is returning per expected timetable, is in good shape, and knee is not swelling.  I haven't seen him rebound since he was playing earlier in the year, but he was playing reasonably well defensively before his knee acted up. 

It's unlikely that he'll be a force when he returns, but given the info we've gotten so far it's hardly insane to think he might give something useful.

[Eja117]

Hasn't JO's only problem this year been swelling in the knee everytime he plays?  If he's gone 3 weeks with no trouble that's a good sign and i see no reason why he can't have a successful comeback.

The problem is just as you said, though - his knee starts to swell as soon as he begins playing.  He hasn't been actually playing, so it's hard to gauge whether the problem is really fixed / healed or whatever.

 I read on this site that he was playing one-on-one games.

Is he still losing to Stephen Hawking or is he pulling even?  Perhaps if he starts out by playing against that chair that Yi used in his pre-draft workout he'll do a little better and that will give him confidence