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Bouncing back: Best redemption stories from the NBA’s first quarter

By Jacob Doole

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a 105-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 3, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 03: Andre Drummond #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates a 105-96 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesars Arena on November 3, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends against D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second half during their game at Barclays Center on October 20, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 20: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic defends against D’Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second half during their game at Barclays Center on October 20, 2017 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

Before he was sidelined by a knee injury, D’Angelo Russell was pulling the strings of one of the NBA’s most entertaining offenses.

Just two years ago, he arrived in Los Angeles as the heir to the Lakers throne, ready to take over after Kobe’s retirement.

But those expectations were far too high for such a young player. The burden they brought, plus the circus that was Bryant’s final season and a rotation of bad coaches, stunted his development and sapped his confidence.

And the Snapchat scandal that saw him publicize teammate Nick Young’s infidelity left him on the outer with many of his teammates.

A change of scenery was desperately needed for Russell to thrive, and so far it looks like the move to Brooklyn has done the trick.

He opened the season with a 30-point explosion against the Pacers, and topped that two weeks later with 33 points against Phoenix.

Before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, he was averaging 20.9 points and 5.7 assists, despite playing a career-low 27.8 minutes per game.

And while his shooting from deep has been sub-par (29.5%), his overall efficiency is up, with a big increase in field goal percentage (46.3) and Player Efficiency Rating (19.6) from the last two seasons.

His high basketball IQ and passing vision have also been on full display, with quick decision making needed in the NBA’s third-fastest offense.

And while he may not return to the lineup for a while longer, it looks like he’ll be able to shake the “bust” label that many were too quick to give him.

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