Let's Just Stay Healthy During Preseason

(DGA Productions)


By: Greg Payne

The past two seasons I've looked at preseason with the attitude of a man who sees a fire truck or ambulance whiz by his house in a suburban neighborhood. At first, curiosity and a sense of excitement mount, followed by a return to reality and a sense of foreboding.

Preseason kicks off Wednesday night against Houston down in Texas. Am I excited? Of course. It goes without saying. But this year, more than any other, I just want to get through preseason. This year, with the team we have, I'm anxious to see how everyone fits together, but more importantly, I want everyone to be able to fit together. And that means we can't have any injuries this preseason to anyone who will play a more than significant role in this year's championship run.

Am I worried about Kevin Garnett's knee? No, I'm not. He put my anxiety to rest the other day in an interview with the Globe. But the fact remains that on the very first play of preseason, KG could sprint up the court and sustain an injury completely unrelated to the knee he had surgery on a few months back. Do I think this will happen? No, probably not. Based on my history of watching the game, such injuries don't happen at a frequent enough clip for me to think twice about it. Besides, we can't watch sports with a sense of apprehension. It would ruin everything.

Anyway, back to the point. I know what KG, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Eddie House and Glen Davis are capable of. I know what to expect from these guys. So, while I'm anxious to see them back on the court, to see KG block a shot, to see a slimmed down Big Baby and a buffed up Rondo, I'll gladly wait until October 27 to see it all in full form. But, more importantly, I want them to be in full form come October 27.

There's a reason why Doc Rivers only hosted one-a-day practices throughout the team's time in Newport. He understands. First of all, such a veteran laden group doesn't need as much time being taught the offensive and defensive sets. But second, and arguably more importantly, an aging team doesn't need to pound itself into the ground and risk injury. Which is why I'm confident Doc will conserve these guys in the earlier stages of preseason.

More than anything, I'm ready for the regular season to kick off. I just don't want preseason to ruin anything in the meantime. I can't speak for anyone else, but I'm perfectly comfortable with the young guys taking practically all of the minutes this preseason. Obviously the last game or two are the exceptions to this rule, but otherwise, let's see what the young guys are made of. Sort of like a "kill two birds with one stone" scenario.