NBA

NBA 2019-20: Top 5 Players having a solid bounce-back this season so far

The 2019-20 NBA season has stepped into its fourth week and several All-Stars like Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, James Harden and Damian Lillard have been performing excellently till now. These players are all in the reckoning for the MVP title and there are several other stars who have bounced back strongly this season.

Top 5 NBA Players having a solid bounce-back this season so far

Isaiah Thomas (Washington Wizards): Thomas came 5^th in the MVP voting for 2017 although his career nosedived soon after, post being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He appeared only 32 times for the Cavs and LA Lakers all throughout 2017-18. He also looked to make a comeback last season with the Denver Nuggets. Injury kept him away from his debut till February, eventually leading to his exclusion. He has finally found purpose with the Washington Wizards, racking up 6.2 assists and 13.2 points as averages in only 22.7 minutes for every game. He is finally finding back his form and with John Wall’s absence, he could be a fixture in the starting line-up for his team soon.
Dwight Howard (Los Angeles Lakers): After the injury to DeMarcus Cousins that might keep him out all season, Dwight Howard was signed by the LA Lakers. The 33 year old veteran NBA player has taken to his role here like a duck to water, performing strongly this season. He has 20.4 minutes as his average per game, putting in 7.0 points, 1.6 blocks, 7.6 rebounds and field shooting average of 76%.
Goran Dragic (Miami Heat): 31-year old Dragic has been playing well as a reserve for Miami Heat, being one of the early players to be Sixth Man of the Year. In the 2018-19 season, he could average only 13.7 points with field shooting stats of 41%. Now, he has improved his average to 16.8 with 47.5% in field shooting and 3-point shooting figures of 44% which is a career best.
Kevin Love (Cleveland Cavaliers): After LeBron James left the team, Kevin Love remained in the team, signing a new 4-year deal. Love appeared only 22 times in the 2018-19 season, shooting just 38.5% and generally appearing sluggish. Yet, Love is now fully fit and averages 18.5 points per match while also posting his best shooting percentage ever since he shifted to Cleveland Cavaliers in the year 2014. He has one of the best rebound averages at 12.9 for every game.
Gordon Hayward (Boston Celtics): Hayward will be missing 6 weeks in the NBA after getting surgery done for his left hand which was fractured. This is unfortunate for the Boston Celtics since the forward has recovered from his poor 2018-19 season to make 8 appearances, averaging 20.3 points, 4.6 assists and 7.9 rebounds for every game. He has also shot a career best of 55% from the field. His comeback has been spectacular and his absence for 6 weeks will be sorely felt by the Boston Celtics.

These are 5 players who have enjoyed stunning recoveries and bounce-back performances in NBA 2019-20 and they sure deserve plaudits. They have put their poor form, injuries and lack of game time behind them and made an immediate impact in the current season.