What s the situation? Irving returns from injury early? This is not a good thing for the Lakers former players

Season 24-25, Irving averaged 18.9 shots per game, with a real shooting rate of 59.4%, and the All-Star post was as high as 63.2%. For comparison, MVP Alexander's value is 63.7%. In other words, after Doncic left the team, Irving took over the team's offensive burden very well.

However, at the critical moment of the playoffs, Irving suffered a torn ACL on his left knee and was reimbursed for the season. The Mavericks, who lacked the former, were eventually blocked from the playoffs.

According to the NBA China official website, Irving's recovery progress far exceeded expectations, but the team is not in a hurry to let him come back. Previous reports pointed out that Irving's normal return time was November.

, with Thick Brows before and New No. 1 pick Flag, plus strong players such as Gafford and PJ Washington, the Mavericks do have reason to not rush to get Irving back. However, if you say that, considering recovery is far beyond expectations, the time for this comeback will be more or less advanced.

Irving returned from injury early, how should we understand?

In my opinion, this is not a good thing for Russell.

Position

Garford and Lefly compete for the starting center, Davis and Flagge locked in the starter on the two fronts, PJ Washington and Powell substitute, Clay and Christie compete for the starting shooting guard, and Irving did not return to Russell's starting point guard.

In fact, in the 18,745 minutes of his career, Russell accounted for 86% of the number one position and 14% of the number two position. In other words, "Shuilu" is not that you can't play the scoreback, but the problem is that there are Clay or Christie in this position. To be precise, the effect of the two is better than the former. The position can basically be fixed in the point guard, which is one of them.

Competitiveness

Regardless of card appearance, popularity or instant combat power, Irving is far stronger than Russell. Potentially, once the former recovers from injury, the starting number one position will definitely move. Insufficient competitiveness, this is the second one.

Opportunity

Like the renewal of the Lakers in the summer of 2023, Russell and the Mavericks' contract this summer is also a contract with the 1+1 second year player option. In short, "gilding" with initiative - if you play well in the first year, you will jump out of the contract; if you play poorly, you will execute the contract. How can I play well in

?

First of all, we must bring out our own characteristics, which is an outside projection for Russell. To be precise, the top outside level was recovered in the 23-24 season (three-point rate of 41.5%, average of 3.0 goals per game).

In addition, the team needs to give it a chance. Generally speaking, the chances you get when playing as a substitute are definitely not as good as starting. As I just said, when Irving came back, Russell was basically a substitute. The chances are reduced, this is the third one.

In summary, the reason why Irving's early recovery from injury is not a good thing for Russell is mainly reflected in the following three points:

1. Basically, the position can only be used as point guard;

2. Insufficient competitiveness;

3. The chances are reduced.

Therefore, "not a good thing" can be understood as:

First of all, the reason why Russell chose to sign the Mavericks was to "gilded". To succeed, in addition to performing stably, the team also needs to provide stable opportunities.

Secondly, as Irving just said, after his comeback, Russell can only be a substitute, and the opportunities brought by this will be reduced.

Finally, it is difficult to avoid the opportunity to guarantee the "gilding", which is obviously not a good thing for Russell.