Diamond DeShields had a 2020 season I’d like to soon forget. It’s almost unfair to even evaluate Diamond’s 2020 season. The entire time she was battling issues with her knee, her quad, and, ultimately, left the wubble early on August 29th, for personal reasons. So, let’s review the year, but keep in mind the circumstances that caused the numbers.
A Down Year
DeShields averaged 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. This was by far her worst season statistically speaking. All her numbers were down and she went from starting every game in 2019 to starting zero games in 2020.
Besides looking at the numbers I watched the tape. I’ve watched all games when they were happening and went back this week and rewatched a few key games. What I saw then and what I see now is a player who was just unable to be their normal self. She was unable to use her athleticism to be the dynamic player she is. You rarely saw her pushing the ball up court or driving to the basket off of pick and rolls. Defensively she was okay, but I saw her dropping back on a lot of pick and rolls and she didn’t pressure ball handlers like she did last year. You see this when looking at her her steals. Last year she averaged 1.3 steals per game and that dropped to 0.9 this season.
Heart of a Champion
Despite the challenges Diamond had I give her tremendous credit. She really didn’t have to even enter the wubble. In fact, I was hoping she would get pulled so she could get 100% healthy. This is just me speculating, but my guess is her getting to 100% healthy might’ve taken a month and in the wubble that would’ve killed her season. Maybe in a normal season she just misses the first four weeks and returns for the rest of the season ready to go. Again, this is me speculating, I have no inside information on this.
So while I wish she rested I give her a lot of credit for being such a warrior and playing hurt all season. So many others wouldn’t have done that. It’s a testament to her commitment to the game, her teammates, and maybe even some stubbornness.
2021 Will Be Better
I can’t wait for Diamond’s 2020 season. I expect her to have a huge bounce back season and comeback as the All- Star she is. This year was mired by injuries so as long as she’s healthy she will be just fine. As of right now it seems she’s not playing overseas. This may change, but I think that’s just fine. She just needs to rest and needs to be 100% for 2021. For Diamond all I want to see is her healthy again. I know she has great talent she just needs to stay healthy. Here’s hoping she’s back to the Diamond we all know and love on 2021.
Sky in the Chi 