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.