One of the biggest storylines heading in to the 2015-16 NBA season is the return of a long list of star players that missed most of last season because of injury. Every year there are injuries that sideline important players but last season, it seemed like an epidemic for some of the league’s biggest stars – including the reigning NBA MVP. Here is a look at the five big name players set to make a splash in their returns this season.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant followed up his MVP season by averaging 25.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 27 games before he was shut down for the remainder of the year with a foot injury. While those numbers are still very impressive, they were down from the previous season when he averaged 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists over 81 games as the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
Durant will be 27 years old when the season begins and this is a contract year, so there could be some extra motivation for KD. The sky is the limit in terms of fantasy as he looks to dominate from the outset in 2015-16.
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
It’s amazing how quickly people can forget how dominant Anthony was. When he was healthy two years ago, he ranked among the league’s top scorers. Anthony averaged 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in the 2013-14 seasons and while his numbers dropped a bit last season in big part due to injuries, he should bounce back with a big year after the Knicks shut him down early last season. One thing we’ll have to keep an eye on is his conditioning because often times with a knee injury, a player has a tough time staying in shape (since they are limited in terms of running or any exercise on their feet). He’s a bit of a fantasy risk, though – especially with rumors swirling that the Knicks are finally entertaining trades for him.
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Chris Bosh, Miami Heat
Bosh played third wheel behind LeBron James and Dwyane Wade for four seasons with the Heat but his role was never understated. He stepped up again last year with LeBron gone to Cleveland, averaging 21.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists for his highest averages in three seasons. However, a calf strain sidelined him for eight games and then two months after that, his season ended when doctors discovered blood clots in his lung. Bosh did what it took to resolve the issue and he has worked as hard as he could in order to get back in top shape. That should mean big things when he returns for Miami this season – especially with a better point guard and cast to play with.
Paul George, Indiana Pacers
The Pacers were absolutely devastated when George suffered a broken leg playing in a summer showcase for the U.S. men’s basketball team and they never recovered. During that time, the team fell off the map and was forced to transition. Gone are David West and Roy Hibbert, as well as the mindset of playing inside out. George came back at the end of last season when the team found success playing at a faster pace. He’ll be joined by new additions in Monta Ellis and Jordan Hill. George averaged 21.7 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists when he was healthy in 2013-14 and he is still just 25 years old, so there is every reason to expect big things from the Pacers star this season.
Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe has managed to play in just 41 games combined over the last two seasons and while he averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.6 assists in 35 appearances last year, his 37% field goal percentage was a career-low. He wasn’t considered nearly as dangerous as his former self by opponents.
Kobe is now 37 and has clearly lost more than a step but he has worked hard to get himself ready for this season. He’ll do anything to go out with a bang, which is good news for fantasy buffs. There is no doubt that his best days are behind him but with a stronger supporting cast and the desire for at least one more quality season, we are banking on Kobe bouncing back in 2015-16.
