This article is part of our NBA Injury Analysis series.
Aaron Gordon
The Magic rookie will be sidelined indefinitely after he suffered a fracture in his foot. Gordon broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, an injury made infamous earlier this season by Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. Like Durant, the root of Gordon's injury appears to be stress-induced. Gordon revealed the information through his Twitter account and will consult with a specialist to determine the next step in the recovery process.
As previously discussed with Durant, fractures to the fifth metatarsal are complicated. Blood flow to the area is limited, and the healing process can easily be delayed or occur in an improper fashion. Surgery is often the best plan of action though it comes with a degree of uncertainty. Hardware failure and re-fractures are common even with surgical intervention. Gordon's size further complicates the issue, as bigger players appear more prone to re-injury. There are multiple examples of big men struggling with the injury including Brooklyn forward Brook Lopez and Clippers center Glen Davis.
It's also worth mentioning that multiple scouts commented on Gordon's awkward running motion and stiff hips and ankles prior to the draft. While there is no way to guarantee these biomechanical issues played a role in his current injury, a flawed gait pattern can place undue stress on areas like the fifth metatarsal and contribute to this type of injury. If it was a factor, Orlando would be wise to begin modifying Gordon's muscle patterns during the rehab process to prevent a
Aaron Gordon
The Magic rookie will be sidelined indefinitely after he suffered a fracture in his foot. Gordon broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, an injury made infamous earlier this season by Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. Like Durant, the root of Gordon's injury appears to be stress-induced. Gordon revealed the information through his Twitter account and will consult with a specialist to determine the next step in the recovery process.
As previously discussed with Durant, fractures to the fifth metatarsal are complicated. Blood flow to the area is limited, and the healing process can easily be delayed or occur in an improper fashion. Surgery is often the best plan of action though it comes with a degree of uncertainty. Hardware failure and re-fractures are common even with surgical intervention. Gordon's size further complicates the issue, as bigger players appear more prone to re-injury. There are multiple examples of big men struggling with the injury including Brooklyn forward Brook Lopez and Clippers center Glen Davis.
It's also worth mentioning that multiple scouts commented on Gordon's awkward running motion and stiff hips and ankles prior to the draft. While there is no way to guarantee these biomechanical issues played a role in his current injury, a flawed gait pattern can place undue stress on areas like the fifth metatarsal and contribute to this type of injury. If it was a factor, Orlando would be wise to begin modifying Gordon's muscle patterns during the rehab process to prevent a reoccurrence.
Gordon's absence doesn't alter the fantasy landscape, but it does hurt teams in dynasty or keeper leagues. It also leaves the Magic frontcourt a bit thin as Kyle O'Quinn also remains out due to an ankle sprain. Look for Channing Frye to get some extra playing time as a result.
Dwyane Wade and Derrick Rose
The two injury-prone All-Stars are nursing hamstring injuries, and both Wade and Rose were forced to watch from the sidelines this weekend. Hamstring injuries are problematic in and of themselves, but both players have other motivations to treat their current ailment conservatively.
For starters, the healing response of muscle tissue, particularly in an explosive muscle like the hamstring, is a lengthy process that requires delicate care. Unlike bone tissue, muscle tissue is extremely complex and does not always return to its original strength.
The healing process for a strain begins with the inflammatory phase that includes the initial swelling and clotting reactions. The next step, the proliferative phase, overlaps with the inflammatory phase but marks the beginning of the body's actual repair work of the damaged tissue. As the proliferative phase progresses, scar tissue forms as specialized cells begin filling in the injury site with protein fibers, including collagen and elastin.
The proliferative phase generally takes four-to-six weeks to complete. Once finished, the final phase, known as the remodeling phase, begins. The remodeling phase varies in length and is dependent on the amount of associated damage. In some extreme cases it can take up to a year to fully complete. Collagen fibers within the scar tissue are repeatedly broken down and remade to increase strength by properly aligning the injured muscle fibers to resemble healthy tissue. Athletic trainers or physical therapists can speed this process up by specifically loading the injured muscle in a precise pattern during the rehab process. This approach will combat the body's predisposed and haphazard method of repair and help the new muscle tissue develop in a stronger, more efficient design.
Unfortunately, the new tissue is still susceptible to injury even when properly treated. If the scar tissue is not 100 percent and is disrupted, the injured player must restart the entire recovery process and begin the tedious process of tissue regeneration all over again. As a result, teams will wisely treat these injuries conservatively and provide their players with extended rest. The vulnerability of the scar tissue also helps explain why these injuries are easily aggravated. A functional muscle doesn't always mean a healthy muscle. Just ask Lakers forward Ryan Kelly who is expected to miss additional time after aggravating a hamstring strain for the third time in this young season.
For Rose and Wade, their previous history also comes into play. Both players have suffered hamstring injuries in the past and both have balky knees. An injured hamstring weakens the kinetic chain and leaves their knees vulnerable to unwarranted stress. Neither player can afford irritating their knees and both should remain sidelined until their respective medical staffs feel they are capable of playing at a high level with minimal risk. Consider them day-to-day moving forward and think about utilizing a healthier option in weekly formats.
Fast Breaks
Raymond Felton: Felton is at long last recovered from the high-ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason and will now begin his four-game suspension for weapon-related charges. He will have to fight for minutes in a crowded Dallas backcourt once eligible to return on November 24.
LeBron James: James did not participate in Cleveland's morning shootaround on Monday but is hopeful to play against the Nuggets. The altitude could compound things here, but keep him in your lineups.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: The Hornets forward continues to sit with a stress reaction in his right foot. Charlotte has not yet revealed the specific bone involved, but he has been ruled out for Monday's contest against Dallas. A stress reaction is a precursor to a stress fracture and will need to be handled carefully to prevent a fracture from developing. As a result, expect Kidd-Gilchrist to miss at least a few more games recovering.
Gary Neal: The Hornets will also face the Mavs without Neal, who is recovering from a concussion. He is still experiencing symptoms related to the injury and has been unable to complete the league-mandated protocol.
Nick Young: The Lakers should get a boost in scoring (if Kobe will ever share) with the return of Swaggy P. Young is expected to play Tuesday after missing the team's first 10 games after suffering a torn radial collateral ligament (RCL) in his thumb. The issue required surgery and occurred to his shooting hand. As a result, Young may need some time to establish a rhythm and find his shooting stroke. He's worth a look if you need points, but don't count on him for much else.
