Though not officially recognized or endorsed by the NBA, here is the list of Comeback Players of the Year. These players had been injured but are now good to go for their team and ready to provide a boost for the next season.
Spurs' Tony Parker
First on the list is a part of the big time trio in Spurs, Tony Parker. He was injured in Game 2 against the Grizzlies and now is ready to come back for the Spurs.
The injury happened when Parker was driving in the lane in the Game 2 against Grizzlies; he took a jump shot and felt his leg give out before he landed on the floor.
He suffered a ruptured left quadriceps tendon, an injury that many have thought that would end his great 16-year NBA career.
At the age of 35, Parker's recovery from that kind of injury is difficult, but Parker does not want to end his career with an injury -- he wants to end it on his own terms. Coach Gregg Popovich is limiting Parker's minutes, but he says that Parker's hold on offense is what makes the Spurs centered, and having him back for the next season will be helpful for them.
Miami Heat's Justin Winslow
Justin Winslow made progress and is able to be part of the starting lineup for the Heat as part of the foreseeable future. But his injury, a torn labrum, held him to only 18 games and required surgery.
Heat's president Pat Riley said that it is entirely up to Winslow to determine where he fits in the organization. Winslow has the skills of a Draymond Green -- great defender, rebounder and a playmaker though he is still improving his shooting. For the next season, coming back from an injury should be much easier for Winslow given his age and all raw skills.
Milwaukee's Jabari Parker
Jabari Parker is unlucky when it comes to injuries; he suffered two torn ACL injuries in his last three seasons. He was doing well with a career-best 20.1 points while shooting 36.5 percent on the 3-point line prior to his injury last season which also resulted to the slowing down of the Buck's playoff run last season.
It is estimated the Parker will be back before the All-Star break but the new general manager John Horst will test first if Parker is a good fit with Antetokounpo and Middleton. For his age at 22, Parker can build a young three-man core for the Bucks in the future.
These players are among the list of the best comeback players for their teams in the next season. There are still many names on the lists like Ben Simmons of the 76ers, Chandler Parsons of the Grizzlies and more.
