Five NBA Players Who Will Bounce Back in 2012-13

By Dennis Berry

Every year we see players who have been major contributors for their team's struggles. Whether it is because of injuries or just play below expectations, a new year gives them a chance to move on from last season's struggles. It also help them get back to the level they are used to playing on.

Here are five players that you can expect to bounce back during the 2012-13 season:

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Although he has been in the league only three years, Curry has proven to be a great offensive player. Last season he only played in 26 games as his season was cut short by injuries. He only averaged 14.5 points in the games he did play in. In the previous two years he averaged 18 points a game. As long has he is fully recovered from last season's ankle problems, then he should have a big year as the Warriors should be a playoff team.

O.J. Mayo, Dallas Mavericks

When Mayo first came into the NBA he had a great impact for the Memphis Grizzlies. His rookie year he averaged 18.5 points a game and started all 82 games. His second season he averaged 17.5 points, while starting all 82 games. Over the past two seasons, he has only started 17 games – zero in ‘11-’12 – and averaged just 11.9 points a game. He signed with Dallas as a free agent in the offseason. He should see the floor more often in Dallas and get a chance to be a bigger contributor to the offense.

Eric Gordon, New Orleans Hornets

Injuries have been a problem for Gordon since he came into the league. Last year he played only nine games with knee troubles. In those nine games he showed why he is one of the most talented young guards in the league. He averaged 20.6 points a game. If he can stay healthy he will be a leader on a young roster with two first round picks – Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers – expected to get major minutes.

Brandon Roy, Minnesota Timberwolves

Roy had to miss the entire 2011-12 season because of his bad knees. He is going to give it another go this coming season. When he is healthy he is an All-Star player. For his career he has averaged 19 points a game, 4.7 assists, and shooting 46% from the floor. His best season was in 08-09 when he averaged 22.6 points and 5.1 assists. If Roy is able to stay healthy, then he will probably win the “Comeback Player of the Year” Award.

Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Clippers

Last year Lamar Odom was traded to Dallas before the start of the year. He never got it going after the trade. He had career lows in almost every statistical category. In 50 games he averaged only 6.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and shot 35 % from the floor in 20 minutes a game. This is not the usual stats we see from a guy who averages 14 points and 8 rebounds a game. Now he is back in Los Angeles, but as a Clipper. Being back in LA should mean we see a rejuvenated Odom. If he does return to his old form, he will be a dangerous weapon for the Clippers.

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