As a devoted NBA fan, you’re likely familiar with the struggles and injuries that have impacted some of the league’s top players.
Remember Joel Przybilla‘s horrible or Josh Howard‘s unusual knee issue?
These incidents, hard to shake off, have left a lasting mark on the players’ careers. We’re going to dive into some of the NBA’s most startling injuries and how they’ve altered the paths of these athletes.
Joel Przybilla’s Knee Injury
In 2007, Joel Przybilla’s shocking knee injury, one of the worst in NBA history, occurred when he slipped in the shower.
Playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, he suffered a dislocated patella tendon and a torn ACL, ruling him out for the season and leaving the team without a key center.
His recovery involved surgery and a season-long absence, leading to long-term knee damage and arthritis. Another surgery was needed in the 2012-2013 season.
Przybilla’s career, profoundly affected, ended in 2014. This incident is part of a series of devastating injuries, including those suffered by Josh Howard, Steve Nash, Tony Allen, and Andrew Bogut.
These injuries, ranging from badly sprained MCL to dislocated ankles, are among the worst in history, often ending careers and altering team fates. Przybilla’s case underscores the brutal and unpredictable nature of sports injuries in the NBA.
Josh Howard’s Knee Wobble
In 2006, Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks experienced a career-altering knee injury against the Chicago Bulls, truly one of the worst injuries in the NBA.
After an awkward landing from a jump shot, he clutched his left knee in pain, eliciting a groan from the stadium. The injury, a sprained wrist, and dislocated elbow coupled with a severe knee issue, sidelined him for months.
This incident, familiar to players like James Harden and Gordon Hayward, highlighted the inherent risks in the NBA. Howard’s return to the court was marked by uncertainty about his career’s longevity, and he never regained his pre-injury performance level.
Steve Nash Pops Nose Back In
In 2007, Steve Nash endured a notable injury during a playoff game with the Lakers.
He collided with Derek Fisher, resulting in a broken nose.
Nash, with his face covered in blood, casually reset his nose on the court, undeterred and still engaging with his teammates.
This moment, captured on camera, underscored Nash’s resilience and the Phoenix Suns‘ playoff ambitions, particularly his synergy with Amare Stoudemire. Nash’s choice to continue playing, despite the pain, showcased his remarkable toughness, a hallmark of NBA athletes.
His perseverance, playing through a broken nose without pause, reflects his mental strength and commitment to the game. Nash’s story is a powerful example of overcoming adversity and inspiring athletes to persist despite challenges. His strength and determination in the face of injury highlight the courage prevalent in the NBA.
Tony Allen Shouldn’t Have Dunked
During the 2008-2009 season, Tony Allen’s career took a drastic turn.
In a game against the Indiana Pacers, he attempted an uncontested dunk but landed poorly, tearing his ACL and suffering a torn lateral meniscus.
This injury required nine months of recovery, affecting his knee’s motion and flexibility. Meanwhile, his teammate Joe Johnson walked away unharmed, highlighting the unpredictability of basketball.
Allen returned to the court but had to adapt to a less flexible, more injury-prone knee. He continued playing for nine more years, yet his performance was never the same.
Allen’s experience underscores basketball’s inherent risks and the need for players to be cautious. In the game’s intensity, split-second decisions can lead to lasting consequences.
Allan Ray’s Eye Injury – One of the Most Devastating Injuries
In the 2006 Big East tournament, Allan Ray suffered a severe eye injury when Carl Krauser accidentally poked him in the eye.
This happened during a semi-final game against Pittsburgh, and the injury was immediately apparent. Ray’s eye appeared grotesquely deformed, forcing him to exit the game.
This incident, one of the NBA’s most debilitating injuries, left a deep impact not only on Ray and his NBA career but also on everyone who saw it. His eye nearly dislodged from its socket, creating a lasting, distressing memory in NBA history.
Andrew Bogut’s Elbow Injury
In 2010, Andrew Bogut experienced a horrific injury in an NBA game against the Phoenix Suns. He broke his hand, dislocated his elbow, and sprained his wrist in a severe fall, missing much of the season.
This injury, one of the NBA’s most devastating, was a stark reminder of how quickly a career can change.
Before the injury, Bogut was performing exceptionally, averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds per game. The injury not only halted his promising season but also cast doubt on his future in the NBA.
Bogut’s ordeal highlights the fragility of an athlete’s career and the significant impact of injuries in basketball.
Jamal Crawford’s Neck Breaks His Fall
In 2003, Jamal Crawford, playing for the Chicago Bulls, had a severe fall that silenced the arena.
Guarding a Timberwolves player, he went for the ball but landed on his neck and head, with his legs flipping over.
This fall resulted in a sprained neck, a bruised spinal cord, a compound fracture, and a dislocated elbow, sidelining him for two months and 17 games.
This incident highlights the dangers of basketball, where devastating injuries can happen in an instant. Crawford’s recovery was fortunate, unlike others like Paul George, who faced more dire outcomes.
Marquis Scares Us All
In 2008, Marquis Daniels experienced a terrifying spinal cord injury during a game, caused by Gilbert Arenas’ forearm.
The impact of this unfortunate incident was so intense that Daniels couldn’t move for a prolonged period, leaving commentators and fans deeply concerned.
He was sidelined for a month.
Joe Johnson’s comment, “It’s a reminder that we all have our fair share of risk” resonated with many.
This injury was especially alarming as Daniels had been playing extensively before the incident. Marquis’ ordeal, thankfully leading to a full recovery, remains one of the most shocking basketball injuries.
The Punch
“The Punch” stands as one of the NBA’s most shocking and worst injuries.
On December 9, 1977, Kevin Kunnert of the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers were in a heated game.
Tensions escalated after a lob pass intended for Kermit Washington was intercepted by rookie Rudy Tomjanovich. A confrontation led to Washington delivering a devastating blow that severely broke Tomjanovich’s face, sending shockwaves through the league.
The consequences were swift. Washington faced a sixty-day suspension and a $10,000 fine.
The incident left players, coaches, and fans in disbelief, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar comparing the sound to a melon hitting the ground.
Tomjanovich missed the rest of the season but made a heartfelt return the next year. Washington, however, faced ostracization and couldn’t regain his previous form. This incident is a stark reminder of the serious repercussions that can arise from moments of anger on the court.
Baron Davis’s Career-Ending Knee Injury
Baron Davis’s career-ending knee injury in the 2010 playoffs is among the worst injuries in NBA history.
Playing against the Los Angeles Lakers, he suffered a severe injury while rebounding. He tore his right ACL and MCL and partially tore his patellar tendon, one of the worst basketball injuries ever.
This injury required eight months of rehabilitation.
Despite his efforts, Davis retired in 2012, concluding a remarkable NBA journey that included an All-Star selection and a Finals appearance with the Golden State Warriors.
His 2009-10 season performance had fans hoping for more years of play. Davis’s injury is a harsh reminder of an NBA career’s fragility and the need for care for the human body.
Davis’s injury, a sad end to a stellar career, highlights the vulnerability of NBA players to severe injuries. His legacy as an electrifying player endures, and his story stands as a caution for future NBA generations.
Shaun Livingston Breaks his Knee
Shaun Livingston’s one of the worst NBA injuries, occurred on February 26, 2007, against the Charlotte Bobcats.
He suffered multiple severe injuries: a sprained MCL, torn ACL and PCL, a dislocated kneecap, and a broken tibia. The announcers and fans were visibly shaken as he was carried off the court.
At just 21, with a promising career ahead and in a standout season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Livingston’s future in the NBA was suddenly uncertain.
He had been averaging nearly 10 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds per game since the regular season opener and was part of the US National Select Team, actively taking part in the Team USA scrimmage.
Remarkably, Livingston returned to the court in December 2007 after eight months of rehab, surprising many with his quick recovery. He went on to play for nine different NBA teams, including the Golden State Warriors.
Paul George Breaks a Leg
Paul George’s leg injury, among the worst injuries in NBA history, occurred on August 1, 2014.
During a Team USA scrimmage, he tried to block James Harden’s layup, but his foot caught on the backboard, leading to a horrific fall. He fractured his tibia and fibula, stunning the arena with the gruesome sight.
This injury was a major setback for the Indiana Pacers, who had recently signed George to a max contract. They had envisioned him leading them to the playoffs, but instead, he missed the entire 2014-15 season, watching as the Pacers missed the playoffs.
Remarkably, George made a full recovery, returning for the 2015-16 season and leading the Pacers to the playoffs the following year. His comeback underlines his resilience and status as one of the league’s top players, despite facing one of its most gruesome injuries.
Greg Oden’s Knee Injury – the most debilitating injuries
Greg Oden, the top pick in the 2007 NBA draft, faced a career marred by injuries, notably a micro-tear in his right knee.
This injury happened in December 2009 when Oden awkwardly landed after a dunk, rupturing and dislocating his patella.
He underwent immediate surgery and missed the entire season.
Oden’s injury woes continued, including a sprained MCL, fractured tibia, torn ACL, and dislocated elbow, leading to his 2014 retirement.
His situation echoes that of NBA stars like Amare Stoudemire and Paul George, who also suffered severe injuries and underwent extensive surgeries and rehab.
Despite the setback, Oden has transitioned into a successful coaching and mentoring role. His journey underscores the importance of body care and the constant risk of injuries in the NBA.
Final Words
Injuries are a harsh reality in professional basketball, leaving lasting impressions on fans and players. From Joel Przybilla’s knee injury to Rudy Tomjanovich’s facial trauma, these incidents have been both heartbreaking and career-changing. Yet, they often lead to stories of remarkable resilience.
Steve Nash’s quick action to fix his nose and keep playing showcases mental fortitude. Paul George’s comeback after a severe leg injury exemplifies his strong will. Shaun Livingston’s return to play for nine teams post a major knee injury highlights the wonders of rehabilitation.
Each shocking injury in the NBA underscores the risks of this intense sport. However, these athletes’ ability to recover and persevere offers profound lessons in resilience and determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has an NBA player ever been injured in an All-Star Game?
Sadly, even the All-Star Games are not free of injury, as demonstrated by when LeBron James suffered a right hand contusion in the first half of the All-Star Game on Sunday, ending his night prematurely.
Thankfully, it turned out to be nothing serious and he is expected to return soon. Feb 19, 2023.
What are the top 5 most common injuries in basketball?
Basketball is a full-contact sport that comes with its own set of risks. The top five most common injuries sustained are sprains or strains, fractures or dislocations, bruising and contusions, ACL tears, and shin splints.
While these injuries can be painful and challenging to overcome, it’s important to take the proper steps to prevent them to stay safe and healthy on the court.
Who broke their leg in the NBA?
Scottie Lewis of the Hornets suffered a broken leg during an NBA Summer League practice session in Las Vegas on Thursday, requiring surgery to repair it.
Before him, Kevin Ware suffered a particularly gruesome injury on March 31, 2013, in an Elite 8 game against Duke that resulted in an open fracture of his right leg.
What is the worst injury in the NBA
There is no right answer to that question.
For some the worst injuries are those serious ones and for others, the worst injury would be the career-ending one, even if it was something small.
