Will some of the NBA’s elite and injured All-Stars be making their long awaited return and how would that affect the Miami Heat?
There’s Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and John Wall. Would any of the three make their return from injury given the opportunity to capture the 2020 championship?
Perhaps the most surprising news on Wednesday was courtesy of Ian Begley of SNY. He reported that teams were going into Orlando expecting Wall to suit up for the Washington Wizards.
The Wizards and John Wall have both said he's not going to return in 2019-20 but some Eastern Conference teams expecting to head to Orlando are planning as if Wall may return to the court once the season resumes. Wall has been sideline since December 2018.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 3, 2020
As Begley noted above the point guard hasn’t suited up since December of last season. An on-court Achilles injury followed by an at home incident have prevented the point guard’s return.
Still, he’s been seen in videos active and even dunking over the last few months, implying that he may be ready. Wall was practicing with the team when the season was suspended in March.
Putting him on the court next to Bradley Beal (who’s averaging 30 PPG) could make for a first-round upset, provided the Wizards cover all the hurtles between themselves and the playoffs.
Until the Wizards or Wall himself come out and say he’s coming back, take Begley’s report for what it’s worth. Washington and their veteran point guard have been very vocal about waiting to put him back on the court until the start of the 2020-2021 season.
Then there’s the Eastern Conference duo that could turn this postseason upside down.
Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks and Durant have publicly turned down any potential return this season from the Achilles injury he suffered in the 2019 Finals. But one can’t help but wonder if the season’s hiatus might impact that decision.
Then there’s the Nets point guard, Irving, who underwent season ending shoulder surgery in March. Could both of the Brooklyn All-Stars return for the abbreviated finish to 2020?
That question may not be answered until the schedules are released, played out, and the seedings are finalized. If the Nets draw a first-round matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks they may ultimately deem it not worth forcing Irving and Durant back onto the floor.
Any of John Wall, Kevin Durant, or Kyrie Irving making a return could make for repercussions on the Miami Heat’s playoff matchups. Keep an eye out for an announcement on the three All-Stars.
The Miami Heat’s playoff bracket will largely be determined by the two aforementioned issues. Getting the 22-team proposal approved is step one in the NBA’s return. Answering these questions will be step two in getting the 2019-2020 season back on track.