Ranking 10 NBA stars returning from injury by playoff importance

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 06: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets practices prior to their game against the Houston Rockets at Ball Arena on November 6, 2021 in Denver, Colorado, Ranking 10 NBA stars returning from injury by playoff importance. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

The NBA standings don’t care about context. They tell you how many wins and how many losses a team has accrued, and that dictates their standing in the playoff race. They don’t tell you how a team looked during the game, how much luck was involved, and whether or not a team was missing key players for a certain game or stretch of games.

It’s up to those covering the NBA to provide that necessary context, to let us know who plays and who doesn’t, and when key players are expected back from injury. The Miami Heat have been dominating recently, a fact that is less surprising when you realize they finally have their main rotation healthy for nearly the first time all season.

Many NBA teams have a star or two they are waiting to return over the next few weeks. Which player is most important to the title picture?

Draymond Green, All-Star point center of the Golden State Warriors, has been out for over two months with a back issue. He announced on his podcast recently that he is targeting Monday, March 14th for a return date. Getting back the conductor of both their offense and defense should help boost the Warriors back into the inner circle of title contenders.

Green is not the only star player returning in the final stretch of the season. A number of players are expected back soon who could boost their team up the standings or to a playoff series victory that changes the complexion of the championship picture.

Which players returning from injury will have the largest impact on the title picture? This isn’t just players on true title contenders, but players who will decide playoff series as well. Let’s look at who doesn’t make the cut for a “Top 10” and then walk through those ten players one by one.