If you’re a die-hard NBA fan, then you know the pain and suffering some of the league’s greatest athletes have gone through in order to stay on top of their game. From Joel Przybilla’s knee injury to Josh Howard’s bizarre knee wobble, the traumas some players have faced are hard to forget. Here, we’ll be looking at some of the most shocking injuries in the NBA that have forever changed these players’ careers.
Joel Przybilla’s Knee Injury
In 2007, Joel Przybilla suffered one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history when he slipped in the shower and injured his knee. Przybilla, who was playing for the Portland Trail Blazers at the time, suffered a dislocated patella tendon and a torn ACL. He was immediately taken out of the game and the medical staff had to put his knee back into place. Przybilla was ruled out for the remainder of the season. This meant that the Portland Trail Blazers were left without an experienced center.
After the initial injury, he had to undergo surgery and was unable to play basketball for the following season. The surgery was successful and Przybilla was able to return to the court, but the injury had caused long-term damage to his knee. Przybilla eventually developed arthritis in his knee and had to undergo another surgery at the beginning of the 2012-2013 season.
Przybilla’s injury was one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history and had long-term consequences on his career. It was a gruesome injury that made many fans cringe. Przybilla was never the same player again and eventually retired in 2014 due to the injury. Unfortunately, Przybilla’s knee injury was not the only one that caused devastation in the league. Other players such as Josh Howard, Steve Nash, Tony Allen, and Andrew Bogut have all had to endure their own share of devastating injuries.
Injuries such as these often resulted in gruesome injuries such as badly sprained MCLs, torn lateral meniscus, dislocated elbows, fractured tibias, and dislocated ankles. These injuries often end careers and change the fate of teams. Przybilla’s injury was just one of many that make up the list of some of the worst injuries in NBA history.
Przybilla’s injury serves as a reminder to all NBA players that no matter how careful they are, injuries can happen at any time, and they should always be prepared for the worst.
Josh Howard’s Knee Wobble
In 2006, Josh Howard, then a member of the Dallas Mavericks, suffered a knee injury that would have a lasting impact on his career. It all started when he was playing against the Chicago Bulls. He landed awkwardly after a jump shot and immediately started clutching his left knee. The entire stadium let out a collective groan, knowing that this kind of thing was going to hurt.
The diagnosis? A sprained wrist and a dislocated elbow. But that wasn’t the worst of it. He also suffered a severe knee injury that would sideline him for 1-2 months. NBA players like James Harden, Gordon Hayward, and the Houston Rockets’ backcourt all know the risks of such injuries, and they all felt the pain that Howard was in.
The injury was a major setback for Howard, and it was a reminder of the risks NBA players take every time they step onto the court. Even though Howard managed to return to the court, the injury cast doubt on his longevity. He was never able to reach the same level of play as he did before the injury.
Steve Nash Pops Nose Back In
In 2007, Steve Nash suffered a shocking injury during a playoff game against the Lakers. Nash was driving to the basket when Derek Fisher accidentally headbutted him, breaking Nash’s nose. Nash was immediately taken off the court, bleeding buckets from his nose and his face drenched in red. Despite the gruesome sight of Nash’s injury, he just shrugged it off and popped his nose back in place like it was no big deal. He was still smiling and chatting with another player like nothing had happened.
The cameras got a good look at Nash’s bravery, a statement that the regular season opener was all about the Phoenix Suns’ playoff hunt and the partnership between Nash and Amare Stoudemire. Nash’s resilience and ability to keep going despite his injury is a testament to his strength as an athlete. He was able to put the pain aside and continue to play, proving that he was one of the toughest players in the NBA.
Nash’s ability to stay in the game without taking a break to rest, even with a broken nose, speaks volumes of his character and dedication to the game. He could have easily taken a break to rest and heal, but instead chose to show his resilience and continue to fight. His actions are a reminder of the importance of mental toughness and the power of pushing through adversity.
NBA injuries can be serious, but Nash’s incident serves as a reminder that there is still a lot of heart and courage in the NBA. His story of resilience and determination is an inspiration to all athletes, showing them that they can still succeed even in the face of adversity.
Steve Nash’s resilience and ability to keep going despite his injury is a testament to his strength as an athlete.
Tony Allen Shouldn’t Have Dunked
In the 2008-2009 season, Tony Allen made a decision that would change his career forever. During a game against the Indiana Pacers, Allen went up for an uncontested dunk and landed awkwardly on his left knee, tearing his ACL and MCL in the process. The injury was a huge blow to Allen, who had to go through nine months of recovery time, months of hard work and rehab, and the loss of motion and flexibility in his knee.
Incredibly, Allen’s teammate, Joe Johnson, was able to get up and walk away without any assistance. This served as a reminder that even the most routine plays can be dangerous on the court. Allen was able to return to the court after his injury, but he was never the same player again. He had to adjust to playing with a knee that was not as flexible and was more prone to injury. Although Allen was able to play for another nine years, his career was never quite the same after the injury.
Tony Allen’s injury was a reminder of how dangerous the game of basketball can be and how important it is to be careful. While injuries are an inevitable part of the game, it is important for players to take extra caution and be aware of their surroundings. Unfortunately, in the heat of the moment, players sometimes make decisions that can have long-lasting repercussions.
Allan Ray’s Eye Injury
In 2006, during the Big East tournament, Carl Krauser gave Allan Ray a good poke in the eye, resulting in a shocking injury. The unfortunate incident occurred in the semi-final game against Pittsburgh. As soon as the poke happened, it was immediately clear that something was wrong. After the incident, Allan Ray’s eye was noticeably deformed and he was forced to leave the game.
The severity of the injury was shocking, and it was one of the worst injuries to occur in the NBA. It was a gruesome sight, with Allan Ray’s eye almost coming out of its socket. The result of the injury was not only a mark on Allan Ray’s face, but also a mark on the hearts of all who witnessed it.
Allan Ray’s eye injury was one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
Andrew Bogut’s Elbow Injury
In 2010, Andrew Bogut suffered one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history when he took a nasty spill during a game against the Phoenix Suns. On that play, Bogut suffered a broken hand, dislocated elbow, and sprained wrist. He would miss a large portion of the rest of the season due to the injury. The timing of the injury was a blessing in disguise, as it gave him the chance to play ball in Australia and get the proper treatment he needed.
Bogut’s injury was one of the more devastating injuries in NBA history, and it was a reminder of how quickly a player’s career can be derailed. The severity of the injury shocked the entire NBA community, especially since Bogut had been having a great season up until that point. He was averaging a career-high 15 points and 10 rebounds per game at the time, and was looking to have a successful career in the NBA. Unfortunately, his injury put a stop to that.
Andrew Bogut’s injury was a reminder of how quickly a player’s career can be derailed, and the severity of the injury was a shock to the entire NBA community. It was a reminder that even the most seemingly minor injuries can have major consequences, and that players should always take care when playing the game of basketball.
Jamal Crawford’s Neck Breaks His Fall
In 2003, Jamal Crawford took a nasty spill while playing for the Chicago Bulls. As he was guarding the Timberwolves player, he went up for the ball and ended up landing on the back of the player. He then rolled down and landed with full force on his neck and the back of his head, with his legs going over his head. The arena went totally quiet.
The result of the spill was a sprained neck, one of the most painful and debilitating injuries a basketball player can suffer. To make matters worse, Crawford was diagnosed with a bruised spinal cord, a compound fracture and dislocated elbow. In total, Crawford was out for about two months, missing 17 games in the process.
The incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous the game of basketball can be. Nasty falls, devastating injuries, and gruesome injuries can all occur in a split second, and in an instant an athlete’s career can be over. In Jamal’s case, he was lucky enough to recover from his injury and return to the court. Other players, like Paul George, weren’t so lucky.
This incident serves as a reminder of how dangerous the game of basketball can be. From Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dislocated elbow to Paul George’s broken leg to Greg Oden’s knee injury, there have been some serious, and in some cases, career-ending injuries in the NBA. Even though the majority of these injuries were caused by nasty falls resulting in broken bones, they still serve as a reminder that injuries are part of the game and that you should always be careful when playing.
Marquis Scares Us All
In 2008, Marquis Daniels suffered a spinal cord injury that left everyone in shock. He was hit by a forearm from Gilbert Arenas, resulting in a nasty jolt. The injury was so severe that it left Marquis unable to move for what felt like an eternity. The commentators had a somber tone, as everyone was worried about what would happen to Daniels.
Marquis was out of action for at least a month. The severity of the injury scared everyone, and made some of us pause and think about the dangers inherent in playing basketball. As Joe Johnson said, “It’s a reminder that we all have our fair share of risk when we go out on the court.” This injury was particularly devastating because Marquis had been playing so many games leading up to that moment.
Looking back at this incident, it’s clear to see why it was so shocking. The injury that Marquis suffered was very serious and could have had long-term consequences. It was a reminder of how dangerous the game of basketball can be and how quickly an injury can occur. Thankfully, Marquis made a full recovery and was able to come back and play in the NBA. But this incident will always be remembered as one of the most shocking injuries in the history of the game.
The Punch
The Punch is one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history. On December 9th 1977, the then rising star Kevin Kunnert of the Houston Rockets was playing against the Los Angeles Lakers when he took one point off with a chase down block. It was enough to get the blood boiling and the fists flying.
It all started with a lob pass that went a bit too far for Kermit Washington. He was about to get to the ball when he was intercepted by a few games old rookie, Rudy Tomjanovich. After a brief exchange of words, things escalated quickly and Washington threw a punch that landed square on Tomjanovich’s face. The punch caused a broken bone in Tomjanovich’s face and the shockwave that followed was felt across the league.
The aftermath of the punch was immediate. Washington was benched for sixty days and fined $10,000. Players, coaches and fans alike were taken back by the events that had unfolded in such a short amount of time. Even the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reckoned that the punch sounded like a melon hitting the ground.
Tomjanovich was out for the rest of the season, but he did make an emotional comeback the following year. Washington, on the other hand, was widely ostracized and never managed to maintain the level of play he had prior to the incident. The Punch serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of a heated moment on the court.
Baron Davis’s Career Ending Knee Injury
Baron Davis’s career-ending knee injury was one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history.During the 2010 playoffs, Baron Davis was taking part in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers when he went up for a rebound and got tangled up with a few other players. In the process, he hit his head and his knee buckled, causing a complete tear of his right ACL and MCL, as well as a partial tear of his right patellar tendon. Davis was forced to sit out the next five games and had to undergo eight months of hard work to get back on his feet.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough and Davis was eventually forced to announce his retirement in 2012, ending an illustrious NBA career that included an All-Star selection and a trip to the NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors. While the injury was devastating for the two-time All-Star, it was equally gut-wrenching for fans of the game who knew what a special talent Davis was. His performance in the 2009-10 season was a testament to that, and many were hoping that Davis would be able to continue his career for a few more years.
Davis’s injury serves as a reminder of just how fragile an NBA career can be, and the importance of taking proper care of one’s body. Players like Dwayne Wade and Kobe Bryant have been forced to miss long stretches of time due to serious injuries, and even the seemingly invincible Kareem Abdul-Jabbar had to end his career due to a dislocated elbow. Thankfully, there have been some feel-good stories too, such as Paul Pierce’s miraculous recovery from a gruesome eye injury, but these cases are few and far between.
Davis’ injury was a stark reminder that even the most talented NBA players can fall victim to devastating injuries, and it was a sad end to a great career. He may have been forced to end his NBA career prematurely, but Baron Davis will always be remembered as one of the most exciting players in NBA history. Hopefully, his story will serve as a cautionary tale to future generations of NBA players looking to avoid the same fate.
Shaun Livingston Breaks his Knee
Shaun Livingston’s knee injury was one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history.On February 26, 2007, during a game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Livingston landed awkwardly after a shot attempt, suffering a badly sprained MCL, a torn ACL and PCL, a dislocated left knee cap, and a broken tibia. The announcers let out a collective “oh no” – almost as if they were feeling the same pain as Livingston. As he was taken off the court, it was clear that he had sustained some of the most severe injuries in NBA history.
The injury was particularly devastating for Livingston, as he was just 21 years old at the time and had been having a breakthrough season, averaging almost 10 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds a game in his first season with the Los Angeles Clippers. He had even been selected as part of the US National Select Team that year, with the future of his NBA career suddenly thrown into doubt.
Livingston spent the next eight months in rehabilitation before making his return to court in December 2007. Many were surprised at the speed of his recovery, and he was soon back to playing at a high level. Since then, he has played for nine different teams in the NBA, including the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and most recently the Golden State Warriors.
Livingston’s knee injury serves as a reminder of the immense risks players take every night when they step on the court. From Kyrie Irving throwing the rock to Gordon Hayward, to Rudy Tomjanovich getting his face broken, to Shaun Livingston breaking his knee, injuries are always a lurking danger in the game of basketball. Thankfully, Livingston was able to make a remarkable comeback and has since played for nine different teams in the NBA.
Paul George Breaks a Leg
Paul George’s injury was one of the most shocking injuries in NBA history. On August 1st, 2014, Paul George was playing in an intrasquad scrimmage for the USA Basketball team when he attempted to block a layup by James Harden. His foot got caught on the backboard and he tumbled to the ground in a heap, fracturing his tibia and fibula. It was a gruesome sight, and one that nobody in the arena wanted to see.
The injury was a huge blow to the Indiana Pacers, who had just signed Paul George to a max contract two months prior. The Pacers organization had high hopes for George’s career and were expecting him to lead them to the playoffs. But that dream was dashed in an instant. Paul George was out for the entire 2014-15 season and he was forced to watch from the sidelines as his team failed to make the playoffs.
Paul George’s injury was a reminder of how fragile the human body is, and it was a lesson that Greg Oden would soon learn. Oden, who was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2007, suffered a number of devastating injuries, most notably a broken hand, that threatened to end his career. Paul George was able to make a full recovery, however, and even managed to make it back to the court in time for the 2015-16 season. He went on to lead the Pacers to the playoffs in the 2016-17 season and is now considered one of the best players in the league.
Paul George’s injury was a reminder of the fragility of the human body and the harsh reality of the NBA. Despite being one of the best players in the league, Paul George was still susceptible to one of the most gruesome injuries in NBA history. Fortunately, he was able to make a full recovery and is now back on the court doing what he does best. Paul George’s injury was a reminder of how fragile the human body is, and it was a lesson that Greg Oden would soon learn.
Greg Oden’s Knee Injury
Greg Oden was the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA draft, but his career was plagued by injuries, the most serious of which was a micro-tear in his right knee.The injury occurred in December of 2009 when Oden landed awkwardly after a dunk and ruptured and dislocated his patella. He was immediately taken off the court and underwent microfracture surgery to repair the tear. This injury was especially devastating for Oden, as it caused him to miss the entire season.
Unfortunately, the injury was so severe that Oden would require multiple surgeries over the course of his career. He had several setbacks, including a badly sprained MCL, a fractured tibia, a torn ACL, and a dislocated elbow. All of these injuries added up, eventually leading to Oden’s retirement from the NBA in 2014.
Oden’s story was sadly similar to that of other NBA stars, such as Amare Stoudemire and Paul George. Stoudemire ruptured his patella tendon while dunking in a game against the Golden State Warriors in 2010. Paul George suffered a gruesome leg fracture in 2014 after landing awkwardly on a dunk attempt. Both of these players had to undergo numerous surgeries and endure long stints of rehab before returning to the court.
Greg Oden’s knee injury was a devastating blow to his career, but he has since gone on to become a successful coach and mentor to young players. Oden’s story is a reminder to all athletes of the importance of taking proper care of their bodies and listening to their doctors. It is also a reminder of the ever-present danger of devastating injuries in the NBA.
Summary
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the world of professional basketball, but some have been so shocking that they still resonate with fans and players alike to this day. From Joel Przybilla’s knee injury to Rudy Tomjanovich’s face getting broken, these injuries broke hearts and altered careers. While undoubtedly tragic, many of these stories end with an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity.
Steve Nash’s bravery in pushing his own nose back in place and continuing to play is a reminder of mental toughness. Paul George showing resilience by returning after his leg broke serves as a prime example of his unwavering determination. And Shaun Livingston is a testament to the power of rehabilitation, having gone on to play for nine different teams since suffering his career-threatening knee injury.
It is no surprise that every shocking NBA injury serves as a stark reminder of the risks that come from playing such a physically demanding game. But by learning from their mistakes and getting back up again, these remarkable individuals provide powerful insight into what it means to keep going despite tough obstacles.
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 in order 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.
Prior to 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.
