NBA Rumors and News Roundup: Stephen Curry Ankle Injury, Blatche Angry and More

The 2011-12 NBA season has kicked off with a bang, and with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks at 0-2, there have already been some slight surprises after just two days of the campaign.

Stephen Curry's ankle appears as if it is still going to be an issue, but he's not going to be the only player that deals with an injury concern at the onset of the action.

We've all been champing at the bit for the games to start being played, and now that it's finally here, let's delve into what is in the news.

Udonis Haslem

Haslem is a little bit less recognizable to some without his trademark braids, but he's still the same effective force off the bench for Miami.

After dealing with a foot injury that really hampered his effectiveness last season, Haslem has returned fully healthy, ready to contribute and with confidence.

"I feel quicker, more explosive, more confident," said Haslem, and it showed during the Heat's first game of the year.

Mickael Pietrus

Pietrus was almost dealt to Toronto in the offseason, but the trade fell through because the Raptors were not pleased with what they saw when examining his surgically repaired knee.

He clearly wasn't a part of the long-term plans in Phoenix, and after stating in the offseason that both the Lakers and Celtics were interested in him, the veteran got his wish after reaching an agreement with the Suns to buy out the remaining portion of his contract.

After clearing waivers, the swingman signed with Boston for the veteran's minimum, and if healthy, will be an especially important pickup for a team that's looking to fill the void left by Jeff Green's absence.

Jeremy Lin

Lin is a Harvard product who people are rooting for to succeed around the league, but he hasn't been able to find a team willing to give him a real chance just yet.

Despite being waived by Golden State before the season and picked up by Houston shortly thereafter, Lin was once again cut loose (by the Rockets), and now he'll look to latch on with another new club.

His salary is non-guaranteed, which is particularly appealing, and both the Knicks and Warriors (only if he clears waivers) have an interest in his services.

Josh McRoberts

McRoberts is going to play a sizable role for the Lakers with the departure of Lamar Odom, but he's going to have to be more consistent in his performances for Los Angeles to get what is needed from him.

Despite having a solid game in his debut against the Bulls, McRoberts was rather limited in his contributions when the team took on the Kings, although he did leave early with an injury.

He's got a big toe sprain, and that is the type of issue that could very well linger if not dealt with properly.

Aaron Gray

Gray signed a one-year deal to serve as a banger in the middle for the Raptors, but his regular season debut for the Toronto team may be slightly delayed.

The Raptors want to monitor his heart rate, and while the club admitted to being extremely cautious, it's the right thing to do as matters like this certainly shouldn't be overlooked.

It is possible that Gray could be sent to the renowned Cleveland Clinic to undergo further testing.

Andray Blatche

It doesn't take long for some players to take an issue with their role on a team, and it took all of one game for Blatche to blast his team's offensive strategy.

The big man was not happy with the plays which were called for him, and Blatche said that he needs to get the ball in the low post more often in order to be effective.

Blatche is the team captain of an extraordinarily youthful roster, and he has to set a better example of leadership for his teammates following a disappointing loss to New Jersey.

Nick Young

Young came off the bench behind Jordan Crawford last night, but that doesn't mean he's not going to receive an opportunity to pour in the points on a regular basis.

The volume scorer chipped in 16 points in just under 18 minutes of action last night, but he was forced to the sidelines with what was described as a "jammed" left foot.

He played 10 fewer minutes than Crawford in the Washington opener, so it will definitely be interesting to see how the two share minutes at shooting guard going forward.

D.J. Augustin

Augustin's stock around the league is somewhat volatile, but he proved that he belongs on the court consistently last year and continued to look good in his 2011-12 debut.

Scoring 19 points and dishing eight assists in a Charlotte victory, Augustin played alongside Kemba Walker at times and the two illustrated the potential to coexist in certain lineups.

However, Augustin aggravated an ankle issue. He's currently being listed with a sprain and the team is calling his status day-to-day.

Pau Gasol

Gasol played with an uncharacteristic sleeve underneath his jersey against the Kings on Monday night, and it's because of an injury he sustained in the season opener against Chicago.

He suffered a slight shoulder sprain on Christmas Day, but it's not expected to be a long-term concern, nor should he miss any playing time for the Lakers.

Los Angeles is going to rely on him throughout the year to produce in a big way, and he's going to have to find a way to stay on the court for the Lakers to have any shot at sustaining success.

Stephen Curry

Curry came out a little flat in the Golden State opening game against the Clippers, but it was a different story when the Warriors came out of the gates on Monday.

The extremely talented guard posted 21 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and a whopping six steals before he was forced out of the game (again) following yet another issue with his ankle.

While he said that he thought he rolled it after stepping on Kyle Korver's foot, Curry seemingly indicated that it shouldn't keep him from missing more time as a result.

It seems like his ankle is going to be an issue throughout the year, so the Warriors will have to be very careful in protecting him.