There have been several worst NBA injuries that have happened in the history of the basketball league, and some will leave your mouth wide open.
In this article, we will be listing 10 shocking worst NBA injuries of all time. Stay tuned.
Basketball, a sport renowned for its gravity-defying dunks and rapid court maneuvers, has not been immune to severe injuries.
The NBA, in particular, has been a witness to some of the most harrowing incidents, leaving fans astonished and altering the trajectories of players’ careers.
Below are some of the worst injuries we have seen happen in the NBA.
- Gordon Hayward’s Heartbreaking Leg Injury
- Shaun Livingston’s Devastating Knee Injury
- Kevin Ware’s College Tragedy
- Marquis Daniels’ Shocking Collapse
- Paul George’s Traumatic Leg Break
- Rudy Tomjanovich’s Near-Fatal Punch
- Derrick Rose’s Series of Setbacks
- Andrew Bogut’s Arm Catastrophe
- Baron Davis’s Career-Ending Injury
- Greg Oden’s Knee Struggles
Gordon Hayward’s Heartbreaking Leg Injury
Expected to have a promising start with the Boston Celtics in 2017, Gordon Hayward suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia within minutes of the season opener.
The sight of his foot twisted unnaturally stands out as one of the NBA’s worst injury moments.
Shaun Livingston’s Devastating Knee Injury
In a 2007 matchup against the Charlotte Bobcats, Shaun Livingston rose for what appeared to be a routine layup, only for the landing to take a tragic turn.
His leg snapped, resulting in a torn ACL, PCL, lateral meniscus, a sprained MCL, and a dislocated patella.
This gruesome incident frequently features in compilations of the worst NBA injuries, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of an athlete’s career.
Kevin Ware’s College Tragedy
Although not in the NBA, Kevin Ware’s injury remains haunting in the basketball injury narrative.
Playing for the Louisville Cardinals during a college game, Ware suffered a compound fracture, a grim moment etched in basketball injury lore.
Marquis Daniels’ Shocking Collapse
In an unexpected turn during a 2011 game, Marquis Daniels, a standout NBA player, collapsed on the court.
This harrowing incident emphasized the unpredictable nature of injuries in the league, as Daniels suffered a severe injury, a bruised spinal cord, reminding us that even accomplished athletes face unforeseen challenges.
Paul George’s Traumatic Leg Break
In a 2014 Team USA scrimmage, Paul George’s attempt at a chase-down block ended in a nightmarish leg break.
Landing on the backstop of the hoop, the horrifying snap ranks among the top 10 worst NBA injuries, particularly given George’s prominence in the league.
Rudy Tomjanovich’s Near-Fatal Punch
During a 1977 NBA game, Rudy Tomjanovich endured a devastating blow when accidentally struck by Kermit Washington.
The punch shattered his face and dislocated his skull, a tragic incident ranking among the top 10 worst NBA injuries in history, underscoring the physical risks players face on the court.
Derrick Rose’s Series of Setbacks
Former MVP Derrick Rose, a standout for top NBA teams, faced a promising career marred by a series of debilitating injuries.
One heart-wrenching moment occurred during a playoff game against the 76ers when he tore his ACL, a catastrophic injury that featured prominently in compilations of the worst NBA injuries.
Andrew Bogut’s Arm Catastrophe
In a fateful 2010 moment, Andrew Bogut’s dunk attempt turned catastrophic as he landed awkwardly on his arm.
The agony on his face marked this incident as one of the most memorable in NBA injury history, highlighting the fragility of athletes’ bodies.
Baron Davis’s Career-Ending Injury
During a chilling 2012 playoff game, Baron Davis’s knee buckled in a manner that signaled the end of his NBA career.
This gruesome injury served as a stark reminder of the fragility of an athlete’s body and the unpredictable nature of sports injuries.
Greg Oden’s Knee Struggles
Once a promising basketball star, Greg Oden faced a career plagued by a relentless series of knee injuries.
Among them, the 2009 injury stands out, as a seemingly innocuous fall resulted in a devastating broken kneecap.
This unfortunate incident underscores the inherent unpredictability of the sport and the profound impact that even minor mishaps can have on an athlete’s career trajectory.