![Jusuf Nurkic has yet to play this season. [Image Source: Flickr | Night Court]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2020/6/6/660x290/b_502x220x82/jusuf-nurkic-has-yet-to-play-this-season-image-source-flickr-night-court_2473547.jpg "Jusuf Nurkic has yet to play this season. [Image Source: Flickr | Night Court]")
With the recent announcement that 22 teams will resume play to complete the 2019-20 NBA season, there are a few players who have had ample time to be on the mend during the break-in action.
Here are eight that could be ready to play once the season is ongoing again. There have been reports that players such as Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, John Wall, Jonathan Isaac, and Al-Farouq Aminu would not be returning, so they are not included.
Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento Kings
The second overall pick in 2018, Bagley III, last played on January 20 after re-aggravating a foot injury. He has appeared in just 13 games on the season, averaging 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds.
Richaun Holmes? Marvin Bagley III? Harry Giles?
— Sports 1140 KHTK (@Sports1140KHTK) June 4, 2020
With the return of the 2019-20 NBA season approaching, who should get the nod to start at center for the @SacramentoKings? https://t.co/G27IbDCExp
Zach Collins, Portland Trail Blazers
The team’s starting power forward to begin the season, Collins played in just Portland’s first three games before needing shoulder surgery, and he was expected to be out until about March. The 10th overall pick in 2017 was averaging nine points and four rebounds in the three outings before the injury.
Blazers get their shot at the playoffs, and will make push with Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins.
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) June 4, 2020
“That’s all we can ask for,” Collins said. https://t.co/Q8EEHjldKd
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
A knee injury forced Jackson Jr. out of action for the Grizzlies’ last nine games before the season was put on hiatus. Drafted fourth overall in 2018, the second year player has averaged 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks on the season.
Today's video is up, looking at Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson and the Memphis Grizzlies and their dynasty value https://t.co/xY2XqYmPhs pic.twitter.com/yU51DLfuqf
— Josh Lloyd (@redrock_bball) June 4, 2020
Meyers Leonard, Miami Heat
The starting center in all 49 of his appearances for Miami this season, Leonard missed the last 16 games with an ankle injury. While his numbers don’t jump off the page (averages of 6.1 points and 5.1 rebounds), he’s shooting 52 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three-point range.
Erik Spoelstra on the NBA restart plan and how the Heat will have to adjust https://t.co/eakPABWEg6 Also, a positive update on Meyers Leonard's ankle injury
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) June 7, 2020
Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers
A gruesome broken leg ended Nurkic’s season in March of last year, and he had yet to play in 2019-20. He had his best year last season prior to the injury averaging 15.6 points and 10.4 rebounds, and it will be interesting to see if he regains his starting center role with Hassan Whiteside having taken over.
Jusuf Nurkic? Hassan Whiteside? Carmelo Anthony? Zach Collins? When the NBA returns, who should start for the Portland Trail Blazers?https://t.co/WLndpCtO7a
— Rip City Project (@ripcityproject) June 4, 2020
Kelly Oubre Jr., Phoenix Suns
According to 247Sports, Suns owner Robert Sarver expects Oubre to be able to play during the restart after undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus in early March. The fourth-year player is averaging career-bests in scoring (18.7), rebounding (6.4), field goal percentage (45.2), and three-point percentage (35.2).
The Suns have put themselves in a position where they could choose between Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mikal Bridges next summer. On that choice and the play of Oubre this season: https://t.co/PDG2qi0F4K
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) June 6, 2020
Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City Thunder
The last time Roberson played in an NBA game was on January 27, 2018, when he suffered an awful knee injury. While he’s never been much of an offensive threat, he makes his mark on the other end as he was an All-Defensive Second Team member in 2016-17. According to The Athletic, he would have been cleared to play by now if there was no stoppage, but without being able to scrimmage or practice, it is not known whether he’ll be ready.
If the NBA comes back from quarantine and Andre Roberson is merely 70 percent of who he was two years ago with the OKC Thunder, it won't have been worth it, but at least something miraculous will have ocurred.
— Lucho (@EchelonCopy) May 17, 2020
Justise Winslow, Memphis Grizzlies
On February 6, Winslow was traded to the Grizzlies in a deal that sent Andre Iguodala to the Heat. He hasn’t made his debut with Memphis yet since he last appeared in a game in January 8, and he’s played in just 11 games on the season (averaging 11.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists).
The NBA is closing in on a return to play, and Memphis is in a position to benefit immensely from the season’s unfortunate suspension.
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@sbnGrizzlies) June 3, 2020
It’s the Justise Winslow effect. And it may help the Grizzlies shock the NBA world. https://t.co/pr9f5euA8S pic.twitter.com/TRvnu6co1t
