NBA Preseason Unnecessarily Claiming Victims

As I understand it, they officially banned franchise players from the NFL preseason a few years back when Michael Vick -- then the league’s sun god -- lost a whole season after being injured in meaningless action. That’s why now, you’re lucky if you see a team’s star on the field for more than a series or two. Every year, the NBA has some rough patches like this, and it certainly keeps the headlines moving. But it’s about time we ask ourselves: Do we really need Deron Williams, indispensable head of an airtight squad, out there spraining his ankle:↵↵⇥Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams left an exhibition game against the Chicago Bulls on Saturday after falling awkwardly and spraining his left ankle in the first quarter. Williams had X-rays, which were negative, but the Jazz said he wouldn’t return to the game ... Williams was carried off the court by two teammates as he grimaced in pain. He then left the floor for the locker room on a wheelchair.↵↵Don’t forget, that guy also spent the summer conquering the world on the USA’s behalf, so there’s a chance he should be taking it even easier than most. So what about Baron Davis, brought in to save the Clippers (along with historically injury-prone Marcus Camby)? Celtics Blog reports that dude could miss some time with a nagging, but problematic, ding:↵

↵↵⇥An NBA source told The Boston Globe Sunday night that the Clippers are fearful that newcomer star guard Baron Davis could miss 4-6 weeks because of a sprained ring finger on his left hand that could require surgery. The two-time All-Star is expected to learn how long he will be out and whether he needs surgery during an evaluation with a doctor Monday. Davis sprained the finger Friday.↵↵Are these special cases? Williams had extra summer mileage, and Davis is always a risk. Then again, Williams probably didn’t need to be playing -- the Jazz might do well to get as much C.J. Miles down pat as they can -- while Baron’s taking over a new team. That’s the peril of the preseason: It’s stupid, and possibly destructive, except for when teams like the Clippers actually need that kind of experience before hitting the court for real. And yeah, I know, the first half only matters so much. But that doesn’t make it the same as exhibition games, and best believe, it’s hard to bring someone up to speed one month in. Just ask the Warriors about that.↵
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↵This is why the league needs more no-nonsense vets who can step in and adequately do the job without paying attention to those around him. If only someone had told Dan Dickau to master this role.↵