No matter which sport, if an elite player gets injured, it is a big blow to everyone. Unfortunately, the careers of athletes in all sports are cut short due to injury. Some players suffer injuries before their peak, while others suffer them during or after their prime. Whatever the case, injuries are heartbreaking and life-changing. There are many basketball players who have had to suffer because of injuries. In today’s era, where scientific advances are increasing, players rehabilitate and get back on the court quickly, but there have been some players in the history of the NBA who have been unlucky as injuries shortened their careers.
10. Jamal Mashburn
Mashburn has played 12 seasons in the NBA, but he could have played longer if not for knee problems. He started his NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks in 1993 and averaged 19.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG and 3.4 APG in his rookie season. In his last season, “Monster Mash” was a part of the New Orleans Hornets and averaged 20.8 PPG and 6.2 RPG. Just as the 6’8 forward was beginning to emerge as a prolific scorer, injuries crept in. He was able to recover from his early injuries, making an All-Star appearance in the 2002–03 season, where he played all 82 games. The following season, he suffered injuries that resulted in microfracture surgery. He was forced to retire in March 2006 after two inactive seasons.
9. Danny Granger
Granger spent most of his NBA career with the Indiana Pacers and was an amazing player for the team. He was an All-Star in 2008–09 and received the Most Improved Player award. At the start of the 2012–13 season, he suffered from left knee tendinosis, which limited him to five games that year. “Danny G” missed the start of the 2013-14 season due to a left calf strain. He made 29 appearances with the Pacers that season before being traded. He bounced back several times, but with persistent knee problems, Danny was ultimately waived by the Pistons in October 2015 without playing a game for them, ending his NBA career.
8. Anfernee Hardaway
Hardaway was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft and joined Shaquille O’Neal in the Orlando Magic. Anfernee made four All-Star teams in his first five seasons. In his second season, the 6’7 point guard led his team to the NBA Finals with Shaq. Early in the 1997–98 season, “Penny” suffered a big left knee injury that required surgery. That year, he participated in 19 games. Although he performed brilliantly in 1999-00 and defeated the defending champions, Hardaway was never the same after that.
7. Jonathan Bender
The 6’11 Bender was picked fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 1999 NBA draft but was traded to the Indiana Pacers. Bender was full of skills and athleticism, but he only played eight seasons. “Jon-Jon entered the league with a bang and scored in double figures in his NBA debut. Unfortunately, continuous injuries to his right knee forced him out. He retired with terrible career averages of 5.5 PPG and 2.2 RPG and was only able to showcase his talents in a few playoff games.
6. Cuttino Mobley
Cuttino Mobley was the second round pick by the Houston Rockets and he really made a name for himself in the league. In his best scoring season, “Cat” averaged 21.7 PPG. In November 2008, a physical examination as part of his trade to the Knicks revealed he had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Due to this, Mobley was forced to retire at the age of 33. During his 11 seasons in the NBA, he posted career averages of 16 PPG and 3.9 RPG.
5. Jay Williams
Jay Williams was the overall second pick in the 2002 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. He was an NCAA champion with Duke in 2001 and was named National College Player of the Year in 2002. In June 2003, William’s career ended prematurely after a serious motorcycle accident. The main tendon in his leg was severed, his pelvis was broken, and his left knee was badly injured. Fans still wonder what he could have accomplished if this terrible accident had not happened.
4. Yao Ming
Ming was the first overall draft pick by the Houston Rockets and was supposed to be the next big thing. The 7′ 6” Chinese basketballer lost only two games in his first three seasons. In his fourth season, the eight-time All-Star started facing problems. First, osteomyelitis in his big toe, then a fracture in his left foot four months later, and a fracture in his right knee in December 2006. Ming eventually retired after the 2011 season, citing recurring injuries to his foot and ankle after eight full seasons in the league. Fans are left wondering what the Rockets could have done if he and Tracy McGrady had stayed healthy.
3. Greg Oden
Oden was the first overall draft pick in 2007, but he missed out on his entire rookie campaign after undergoing knee surgery in September 2007. He made his debut in the 2008–2009 season, injuring his foot in his first game and then injuring his knee cap in the same season. He played 61 games that year. The following season, the injury recurred, requiring microfracture surgery on both knees. Oden returned with the Heat in the 2013–14 season and appeared in 23 games. He played 105 career games with averages of 8 PPG and 6.2 RPG.
2. Andrew Bynum
Bynum became the youngest player in the NBA to be drafted straight out of high school. He helped the Lakers win two NBA titles in 2009 and 2010. In January 2008, his left knee cap partially dislocated, requiring arthroscopic knee surgery. Further injuries marked three consecutive postseason runs marred by knee injuries. After being an All-Star in 2012, he was traded to the Sixers, where he did not play a single game due to strains in both of his knees. His career was cut short after eight seasons.
1. Brandon Roy
Brandon entered the NBA with a lot of promise. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2006 Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves but was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. “B-Roy” was the Rookie of the Year and made three All-Star teams in his short six-year career. He was forced to retire from the sport at the age of 27 during the 2011–12 season due to the degenerative condition of both of his knees. He currently coaches boys high school basketball.
Also Read:- 10 Players Who Played the Most Seasons In the NBA
