16 awful NBA injuries that have changed the season already
The 2019-20 season is only about an eighth finished.
But it’s clear there are injuries affecting some of the game’s biggest names, and — therefore — the teams they’re a part of. And it’s the worst. You never want to see that happen to anyone, let alone superstars. Consider this a collective “get well soon” to everyone on the list and everyone else in the NBA dealing with maladies.
When you put the list all together, it’s pretty wild how many players have been affected by injuries, some of them extremely long-term. Here’s a look at the list we compiled as of Tuesday:
1. Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
We all knew his Achilles tear would probably result in a full year out, and that’s looking likely even if he’s shooting. And that means we’re missing out on a year of watching one of the all-time greatest NBA scorers.
2. Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors
I doubt the Dubs will rush him back from his ACL tear suffered in the NBA Finals.
3. Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
There was talk he might not return this year for the Warriors from a broken hand, but …
4. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers
It sounds like he’s coming back soon from surgeries on both of his shoulders — he practiced over the weekend.
5. John Wall, Washington Wizards
Will he be the same player he was before an Achilles tear? He’s still working his way back, but that hasn’t stopped him from tweeting stuff like this:
6. Victor Oladipo, Indiana Pacers
There’s this news from Tuesday as he comes back from a knee injury:
7. Jusuf Nurkic, Portland Trail Blazers
Boy, the Blazers have missed him, haven’t they? He broke his leg in March, so it might be a while until he returns.
8. Gordon Hayward, Boston Celtics
Just when he was turning a corner and returning from a devastating knee injury to being the star we saw in Utah, he fractured his hand and underwent surgery. He’ll reportedly return in six weeks.
9. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
A thigh contusion might keep him out for a month.
10. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
The long-awaited debut is more awaited after knee surgery in October.
11. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
Poor Kings. A sprained ankle will keep the point guard out for some time.
12. Marvin Bagley III, Sacramento Kings
Poor Kings, part II. He broke his thumb and he’s slowly working his way back.
13. Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers
Yes, he’s playing, but he’s talking about shoulder pain. A lot.
14. DeMarcus Cousins, Los Angeles Lakers
An ACL tear is likely keeping him out the entire 2019-20 season.
15. Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors
A fractured thumb shelved him for what will reportedly be two weeks.
16. Blake Griffin, Detroit Pistons
He just returned after missing 10 games with left leg problems.