Ankle sprains are the most common basketball injuries and account for 25% of mishaps on the court. Although most people will bounce back from an ankle sprain with no problem, others are less fortunate.
In this article, we look at the worst basketball injuries of all time. Whether it’s broken limbs, serious ligament tears, or career-enders. This list compiles a collection of some of the most heartbreaking injuries to happen in the history of basketball. Get an in-depth look into these situations to understand how they impact players.
Find out what caused each injury and how teams had to adjust their rosters after such catastrophic events happened. You’ll also learn how recovering from an injury isn’t physical but can take a mental toll as well. Click now and read up on the five worst injuries in basketball that have changed lives and legacies forever!
Kevin Ware (2013)
Topping our list of career-ending injuries is Kevin Ware. A gruesome leg fracture that ended his season and had the entire basketball world in shock. Ware was playing for Louisville when he suffered a compound fracture in his right leg. He landed awkwardly following an attempted block. The bone snapped and broke through the skin, resulting in an unforgettable image that sent chills down the spine of everyone in the arena.
He was out for six months and underwent surgery to repair his leg. The injury was so severe that Ware was forced to retire from basketball and get a job as an assistant coach at the University of Louisville.
After he was forced to retire from playing basketball following his devastating leg fracture, Ware was offered the role of assistant coach with the Cardinals. In this role, he has been instrumental in helping to develop young athletes while also mentoring them on and off the court.
Rudy Tomjanovich (1977)
One of the most devastating injuries in NBA history was from Tomjanovich. He suffered a career-ending injury after a fight broke out between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.
During the altercation, Tomjanovich was punched in the face by Kermit Washington, causing him to suffer from a fractured skull and slashed nerve. To date, this quite possibly be the worst injury in NBA history. He was forced to retire from basketball due to serious neurological issues created by the punch.
After a long recovery, he returned to the NBA as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets and later became their head coach from 1992-2003. He was later hired to become a general manager for the
Bill Walton (1977)
During a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Walton suffered a severely broken ankle that ultimately ended his season. The injury was so severe that Walton never played again, as doctors were unable to repair the damage, and he was forced to retire from basketball just one year later.
The injury created a ripple effect in the NBA, as Walton was one of the most talented players in the league and had led his team to championship victory just 2 years prior. His absence left a huge hole in basketball that is still felt today.
Following his career-ending injury, Bill Walton has remained active in the basketball community. He is a commentator for ESPN and ABC Sports, providing insight and analysis on the game of basketball at both the college and professional levels. He also serves as an ambassador for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Kobe Bryant (2013)
While trying to drive hard towards the basket, Bryant suffered a horrific tear in his Achilles tendon that resulted in him missing the remainder of the season.
The injury was so severe that Bryant was forced to retire from basketball in 2016 due to its lingering effects. He holds the record for most career points scored among retired NBA players.
After his retirement, Bryant returned to basketball in a different capacity. He became an assistant coach at the University of Southern California and eventually went on to become a mentor and business partner for many young athletes. His legacy continues to live on through his countless contributions to the game of basketball.
Gordon Hayward (2017)
Gordon Hayward suffered a devastating injury in 2017 during his first game with the Boston Celtics. After landing awkwardly while attempting to make a layup, Hayward sustained a fractured tibia and dislocated ankle that almost cost him his leg. Fortunately, through the quick action of trainers and doctors, they were able to save Hayward’s leg from being amputated. This could be the worst injury in basketball.
Unfortunately, Hayward was never able to fully recover from the injury, and he retired from basketball in 2019. His absence has been felt throughout the league, and his legacy will be remembered for many years to come. He has since gone on to found his own charitable foundation that provides educational opportunities for underprivileged youths.
Preventing Injuries in Basketball
Although the chances of sustaining these injuries are rare, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from injury. The first is wearing appropriate footwear with a good grip on the court surface. It’s worth investing in good quality insoles for basketball to ensure the best fit. Here are some other things you should be doing on and off the court.
- Always stretch before playing or practising
- Use proper technique while shooting, dribbling and passing
- Maintain good court awareness at all times
- Wear protective padding if needed
- Listen to coaches and trainers about any injury prevention tips they may have
- Make sure to get adequate rest during the season and between games
- Hydrate to prevent cramping or fatigue-related injuries
- Incorporate strength training into your routine to build muscle stamina and flexibility
- Practice drills that can help you learn how to control your body while moving at high speeds
Want to Avoid the Worst Basketball Injuries?
Hayward’s injury is a tragic example of the worst basketball injuries. There are measures that all players can take to protect themselves from harm. From wearing proper footwear and protective padding to hydrating and incorporating strength training into your routine, these tips will help you avoid serious injury while on the court.
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