By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Talent wins games, but staying healthy might be the most important ingredient in a championship run.
After all, what’s the use of talent if it’s not available on the floor?
With 10 rounds already in the books, Real Madrid is learning just how important that question is.
Injuries to Facundo Campazzo, Gabriel Deck, Usman Garuba, Mikael Jantunen and Theo Maledon have created significant problems for Pedro Martinez’s team.
These are not just five names on an injury report. They bring different qualities, play different roles, and are important pieces of the team’s rotation.
Campazzo provides organisation and creativity. Deck brings physicality and versatility. Garuba offers defensive energy, while Maledon provides another offensive dimension.
You can replace their minutes (maybe).
You cannot necessarily replace what they bring to the floor.
One of the biggest misconceptions in basketball is that having a deep roster automatically protects you against injuries.
It doesn’t.
A coach can redistribute minutes, change rotations, and give younger players more opportunities.
However, losing several important players inevitably affects chemistry, tactical flexibility and consistency.
And the EuroLeague is particularly unforgiving.
Twenty teams, constant travelling, domestic competitions and an exhausting schedule leave very little room for recovery.
This is the case with Olympiacos also, because let’s be honest, you can’t really replace Jean Montero. And the list goes on and on with Efes losing Mike James, Barcelona being in trouble and not having Punter, and also key players out of action almost everywhere. This is why the work of medical departments has become almost as important as the work of coaching staff.
But there is something else worth remembering.
Championships are not won in November.
The regular season is a marathon, but the playoffs and the Final Four are a completely different story.
Having your best players available can be the difference between lifting the trophy and watching somebody else celebrate.
And ultimately that’s the bottom line. Every game matters, but if you stay in the race long enough to be healthy and in shape at the right time, early injury woes can end up being a footnote…
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