So I saw Ron Holland got hurt real bad last night. Been following him since high school, right? Kid was gonna be top pick. Now everybody’s asking: can he bounce back? Started digging around myself.
Step 1: Calling hoop people I know
First thing this morning, texted Mike – he’s a trainer for G League guys. Asked straight up: “How bad is this?” Mike goes: “Achilles tears? Forget draft position. Kid’s gotta relearn walking before jumping.” Ouch. Took notes while he broke down rehab stages:
- Months 1-3: Just healing the stupid surgery scar
- Months 4-6: Walking without limping (maybe)
- Months 7-9: Light jogging if lucky
Then hit up Sarah who scouts for the Pistons. Her take was brutal: “Front offices see tape measure injuries now, not players. His vertical? Gone like last year’s tax refund.” She showed me how scouts downgrade prospects after major injuries – think they’ll knock him down 8-10 spots easy.
Step 2: Researching recovery nightmares
Spent afternoon Googling guys who came back from torn Achilles. Found crazy stats:
- Only 60% return to ANY pro level
- Those who do? Lose average 4 inches on vertical leap
- Explosiveness drops 20% minimum
Printed out DeMarcus Cousins’ timeline – dude never got right after his tear. Highlighted the part where he said: “Your brain remembers the bounce but your leg says nah.”
My final take
Here’s the hard truth I told my blog readers tonight: Ron’s no longer that “can’t-miss prospect.” Even if he heals perfect – which nobody does – teams will treat him like damaged goods. Remember calling up my college ball buddy Jim? Tore his ACL senior year. Went from D1 offers to selling insurance real quick.
Kinda breaks my heart. Seen too many guys vanish after injuries. Put it straight in my newsletter: “Don’t draft Holland expecting pre-injury magic. That kid’s gone forever.” Tough business, man.
