Injuries have defined the Golden State Warriors season in 2019. The defending Western Conference champions have dealt with injuries to both Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry, but it doesn’t stop there.
11 of the Warriors 16-man roster have missed time with injury, headlined by Curry and Thompson. However, the team’s remaining All-Stars and vital role players like D’Angelo Russell, Draymond Green, Kevon Looney and Jacob Evans have all missed multiple games.
The Warriors record has suffered drastically as the team struggles to stay healthy, but they do lead the NBA in one category— games missed due to injury. According to sportrac.com the Warriors roster has 137 games missed due to injury with the New Orleans Pelicans being the next closest team with 83.
As bad as the start of the season has been, things are looking up in Golden State with the return of several injured players. Evans is slated to be available for the first time in 21 games when the team suits up against Memphis.
The Warriors second-year pro has been struggling with a nagging adductor injury in a season that initially had high expectations. Evans was tabbed to have more of a ball-handling role in his sophomore season with Golden State, but injuries have limited his opportunities.
According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Evans’ return will give the Warriors 12 healthy and available players for the first time since opening week.
Jacob Evans will be available for the Warriors tonight after a 21-game absence for an adductor strain. Damion Lee, previously listed as probable, will be out. In total: 12 available players, their most since the opening week.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 9, 2019
Russell, Green, and Looney all returned healthy to the Warriors last week, and now, with Evans available, Damion Lee is the only member of Golden State dealing with a short-term injury.
For the first time since Curry suffered his broken hand in late October, Steve Kerr will have some flexibility with how he uses his lineup. In a season where development for the future is vital, the Warriors will finally get a chance to use multiple rotations and see how players fit in specific roles.
They now have the ability to send two-way player Ky Bowman back to the G League to save days on his 45-day contract. The Warriors could also afford to give struggling rookie, Jordan Poole some time in Santa Cruz with their G League affiliate as well.