Re: RicBucher, Pacers interested in JJ Redick.
In my view, Danny will now have two physically limiting injuries which will likely never fully heal, the knee tendonosis (not tendonitis PR07) which is likely to recur when high stress resumes on the knee (the stress is what causes the tendonosis reaction as the tendon constantly tries to heal itself), as well as having one foot where his plantar fascia was literally torn apart (not long after the MIP season) due to doctor's recommendations for playing on it in an effort to actually complete the initial tearing and reduce / eliminate the pain. This appears to have been successful, but the functioning of that foot is permanently compromised.
Without the presence of the plantar fascia, that foot becomes less able to provide the base required for explosiveness and lateral movement. Granted, taping and orthotics can make up for a portion of this loss, but not all of it. Then, the tendonosis and threat of recurrence creates a situation which further degrades his functioning as a defender overall whether he is used as a traditional wing or as a "stretch 4" in my opinion, and also will present a challenge for him to adjust to on his jumpers, namely a lack of lift which will require him to try to make up for by using more arm strength. As long as others are able to create enough space for him, his jumpers should return (even old guys who are not professionals can hit perimeter shots until they get tired), though his release will likely be slowed and more easily defendable due to needing to have a longer arm motion and lower release point due to compensating for lesser lift with less explosive quickness even on the vertical jump.
None of this is to say that Danny will completely be useless. My guess is that he will peak at 80 - 90% of what he once was. I just doubt he can be the Danny we once knew and loved, and it is through no fault of his own.
In my view, Danny will now have two physically limiting injuries which will likely never fully heal, the knee tendonosis (not tendonitis PR07) which is likely to recur when high stress resumes on the knee (the stress is what causes the tendonosis reaction as the tendon constantly tries to heal itself), as well as having one foot where his plantar fascia was literally torn apart (not long after the MIP season) due to doctor's recommendations for playing on it in an effort to actually complete the initial tearing and reduce / eliminate the pain. This appears to have been successful, but the functioning of that foot is permanently compromised.
Without the presence of the plantar fascia, that foot becomes less able to provide the base required for explosiveness and lateral movement. Granted, taping and orthotics can make up for a portion of this loss, but not all of it. Then, the tendonosis and threat of recurrence creates a situation which further degrades his functioning as a defender overall whether he is used as a traditional wing or as a "stretch 4" in my opinion, and also will present a challenge for him to adjust to on his jumpers, namely a lack of lift which will require him to try to make up for by using more arm strength. As long as others are able to create enough space for him, his jumpers should return (even old guys who are not professionals can hit perimeter shots until they get tired), though his release will likely be slowed and more easily defendable due to needing to have a longer arm motion and lower release point due to compensating for lesser lift with less explosive quickness even on the vertical jump.
None of this is to say that Danny will completely be useless. My guess is that he will peak at 80 - 90% of what he once was. I just doubt he can be the Danny we once knew and loved, and it is through no fault of his own.
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