NBA Reserves: Roddy Beaubois and 10 Injured Players To Have an Impact in 2011

Injuries happen every season in the NBA. It's unavoidable!

Whether it be a small back up or a star player, injuries can have serious effects on the chemistry and the production of a team.

With the start of the New Year, many of the players that were previously injured are set to make comebacks and hopefully provide some help to their respective teams.

Also, before I begin, let me just let you know that I tried to include players that have played very little to no games this season simply to make it truly more of a "comeback".

10. Greg Oden/Carlos Delfino/Udonis Haslem

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 01: Greg Oden #52 of the Portland Trail Blazers watches from the bench as his teammates take on the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on November 1, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Trail Blazers 110-98. NOTE TO USER:

I know, I just included three different players here, but when you really look at the names, what do you see?

Oden won't come back until next season and one has to wonder how much of a punch Delfino can have, and Haslem could very well be out until playoff time.

Simply put, not one of these guys deserves the number ten spot, so I decided to give it to all of them.

9. Theo Ratliff

David Ramos/Getty Images

BARCELONA, SPAIN - OCTOBER 07: Theo Ratliff #50 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the NBA Europe Live match between Los Angeles Lakers and Regal FC Barcelona at the at Palau Blaugrana on October 7, 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos

Honestly, I should not be having this guy on here, he is simply not the level of talent that can truly make a difference.

However, given the fact that the Lakers have played awful recently, I considered that maybe his return could help the somehow; at least on the defensive end.

I know this is a stretch, but who knows maybe his presence can help the Lakers just a little tiny bit.

8. Josh Howard

Greg Fiume/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Josh Howard #5 of the Washington Wizards shoots a jump shot against the Miami Heat at the Verizon Center on December 18, 2010 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and o

Here is a guy that could have a very strong impact on the play of the Wizards when he comes back.

He has a nice touch and a pretty good offensive game. On the other hand, he could also find himself struggling and playing slower since his recent knee problems.

So, there is a strong possibility that his return could have little to no effect on the play of the Wizards.

Either way, he deserves a mention and for all we know, he could eb the difference maker in the Wizard's playoff hopes.

7. Johnny Flynn

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 15: Jonny Flynn #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves moves the ball upcourt during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on December 15, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees t

This is another case of player who could have a big impact or no impact at all.

When he comes back he will find himself with an offense that lacks play makers and shooters and thus he will have to work hard in order to make plays work and he just might be too young to do that successfully.

Again, this could go either way, but at the current condition of the Timberwolves; how much worse can he make them?

6. Mehmet Okur

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 29: Mehmet Okur #13 of the Utah Jazz shoots over Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on December 29, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Jazz won 103-85. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges

The Jazz have had a solid year and should definitely benefit from the play of Okur.

His jumper as well as his passing will be making a difference in Utah from the moment he steps on the court..

You can never underestimate a big who is able to stretch the floor and help free up the lane for guys like Deron Williams. He should also help iron out some of the problems that the Jazz have been having on the offensive end and make them more consistent.

5. Roddy Beaubois

I wanted to believe the hype.

The type of publicity this young guy received last season was simply stunning and many around the league thought he was the real deal.

However, I could never fully see that and until he comes back I cannot rank him any higher. I see talent, but not enough to really make a difference on a Maverick team that has been firing on all cylinders all year long.

4. Kelenna Azubuike

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 06: Kelenna Azubuike #7 of the Golden State Warriors in action during their game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Oracle Arena on November 6, 2009 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

This might surprise some people, but when looking at the way the new York Knicks have been playing it is hard to see them not utilizing one of the best shooters in the league when he becomes available.

It simply will not happen and I think he will be a huge factor once he comes back and have a great year despite missing games.

Look for him to make an immediate impact on offense.

3. Kendrick Perkins

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 15: Kendrick Perkins #43 of the Boston Celtics looks on while taking on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the 2010 NBA Finals at Staples Center on June 15, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowle

Perkins is the type of player who can make a huge difference on the floor, and yet his stats would equal that of a bench warmer.

He is a great defender and a sort of tough guy that every team should have on their roster; the Celtics are no exception.

When he comes back expect the Boston D to get even tougher while opposing big men will struggle to find their points and get frustrated.

He is a huge difference maker and the only reason he is not number one is because of the way the Cs have been playing this whole year.

2. Chris Kaman

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 3: Chris Kaman #35 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 3, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers won 107-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees

The Clippers finally look like a real basketball team, or more importantly a real NBA team.

Now is the time for Kaman to come back. The All Star center could make a huge difference on the floor for LA and really help them improve on last season's record.

He would take pressure off of Griffin and allow for more team play in the Staple Center and for a lot more entertainment.

P.S. I just love using all of these location terms when referring to the Clippers.

1. Michael Redd

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

OKLAHOMA CITY - OCTOBER 29: Michael Redd #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket past Chris Wilcox #54 of the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Ford Center on October 29, 2008 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Bucks won 98-87. NOTE TO USER: User expres

So here we have our number one pick.

The man who should make a huge difference on the court for the Bucks and possibly get them on track.

The biggest problem this year for Milwaukee has been their terrible offense which seems to struggle against every single team.

Even if Redd comes back as a fraction of what he was, he will still make a huge difference for the Bucks when it comes to their win total.

No question, he will make the single biggest impact of any returning player in 2011.

Thank you for reading and please comment!