Hubbard Is Eager to Return

There are at least two Cleveland Cavaliers’ teams. The one with Phil Hubbard, and the one without the veteran forward.

During the past two season, the NBA team has gone 20-46 in games while Hubbard was hurt.

Last season, Cleveland was 10-13 with Hubbard playing, even though his wrist was so painful he could hardly catch or shoot the ball. Without him last season, the Cavs went 19-40.

Hubbard, 29, had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist last January, and the injury ended the season for him--and, essentially, for the Cavaliers.

Hubbard was so anxious to return to action, he began practicing at full speed weeks before doctors gave him the green light last week.

“The doctors didn’t tell me anything I didn’t know,” said Hubbard. “I’ve been playing pretty hard for about a month. I’m making great progress, at least that’s what the doctors said. For me, it has been six months. That’s long enough.”

The idea that Hubbard is hungry to return in good form is good news to Lenny Wilkens, the team’s new coach.

“We need Phil. There is no question about that,” says Wilkens. “Without him, there is a void in our lineup. I’ve heard that he’s coming along well, and I’m really anxious to see him in training camp. The fact that his wrist is healing is great news.”

Hubbard’s greatest value to the team is his ability to guard opponents’ small forwards, often the most prolific scorers.

“No one really shuts down a good scorer for long,” said Hubbard. “Guys may score off me, but I try to leave them with an imprint. You’ve got to be physical with those guys. Push ‘em, bump ‘em. Let ‘em know you’re there.”

Hubbard never gives the impression he’s undergone a serious operation.

“To me, this was just another injury that I had to overcome,” he said. “It never entered my mind that I wasn’t going to play again. I figured I’d have the operation, I’d recover and do the therapy, and then I’ll play again. That is what has happened before and it will happen again this time.”

Hubbard even sees a bright side to his injury.

“First, the hand is much easier to recover from than knee problems. Second, the last six months have given my knees some time to rest, and they feel better than ever,” he said.