Top 3 NBA Superstars Whose Careers Were Ruined by Injuries

Basketball is a very high-octane contact sport, and it requires ultimate athleticism to play in the NBA. However, the demands of the game are sometimes too much for the physical body. Even though we have come leaps and bounds in terms of medical advancements in the world of sports, injuries are still an unfortunate part of it. It is even more painful when injuries rob an athlete of their budding career. Over the years, the NBA has seen the decline of many stars because of physical damage. Today, let’s take a look at the top 3 superstars whose promising careers were shattered by injuries.

#3 Bill Walton: NBA and Finals MVP

A lot of fans might not agree with Bill Walton taking the third spot on the list. While many are not aware of his greatness, some feel he reached his potential because of his individual accomplishments and two championships. However, Walton did not arguably reach his ceiling because of all the injuries he endured. He had the potential to be one of the most dominant players ever. Notably, the 6’11” legend agonizingly went through 30 surgeries to his ankles, feet, legs, and hands. This led to him missing out on a mind-boggling 762 games in his career. Despite this, he was named in the NBA 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. That’s telling of his talent!

The former center was one of the biggest stars in college basketball playing for UCLA. During his three years, Walton led the Bruins to two straight NCAA championships and was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player on both occasions. For his consistent incredible performances, he won the National College Player of the Year for three straight years. Despite his concerning injury issues from high school and college, there was massive hype and everyone knew he would be the top pick when he declared for the NBA in 1974.

As expected, the Portland Trail Blazers selected him as the #1 pick despite his injury history. But the Trail Blazers’ decision received a lot of criticism as Walton’s early years were plagued by injuries. However, the Hall of Famer proved his immense potential by earning his first-ever NBA All-Star call-up in his third season in 1977. He did not stop there. The same year, he led the Blazers to their first and only title ever and clinched the Finals MVP award. He was also the rebounding and blocks leader that season.

Walton continued his good form in the next year and averaged 18.9 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game as per Basketball Reference. He won the NBA MVP award for his remarkable displays despite only playing 58 games. Walton only played two playoff games and missed out on the whole next season due to injuries. He then joined the San Diego Clippers in 1979 but only played 14 games that year. Furthermore, he completely missed out on the next two seasons as well. After three more injury-ravaged years with the Clippers, Walton joined the Boston Celtics in 1985.

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At 33 and with a massive list of injuries, there was not much expectation. However, Walton surprised everyone by playing 80 games in the regular season and won the Sixth Man of the Year award. He continued his inspirational performances in the postseason and helped the Celtics win the title. As injuries took a toll again, he played only 10 games in the next year. The Hall of Famer then missed out on the one after and finally called it quits in 1988. If it wasn’t for all the brutal beatings, Walton had all the makings of an All-Time Great.

#2 Tracy McGrady: Scoring machine

Tracy McGrady was one of the biggest snubs in the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. After his inductance to the Hall of Fame in 2017, many thought he would make the Anniversary Team as well. If it wasn’t for his long list of injuries, there would not be a debate about whether McGrady deserved a spot on the reputed team or not. T-Mac was one of the best scorers the league has ever seen. The shooting guard was incredibly athletic and was unguardable during his prime.

Notably, NBA legend Kobe Bryant once stated that McGrady was the toughest star he’s ever played against. That is no simple compliment, considering Bryant’s defensive abilities and the superstars he has faced in his career like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and so forth.?

McGrady was a high school superstar who decided to enter the league without college basketball. There was massive hype around the young star and the Toronto Raptors picked him as the 9th overall pick in 1997. At 18, the 6’8″ player struggled to transition into the league. However, he showed flashes of brilliance in his early years. Also, he missed a lot of games during his sophomore year due to injuries. In the next season, McGrady showed huge improvement as he averaged over 15 points per game while starting 34 of 79 regular season games and all 3 playoff games.

His chemistry with his cousin and superstar Vince Carter was a major boost for the team. Notably, Carter was drafted one year after McGrady’s arrival. As both stars had a similar profile, the Raptors traded McGrady to the Orlando Magic. This was a great move for T-Mac who immediately became one of the best players in the league. In his first year with the Magic, McGrady added over 10 points to his average with 26.8 points per game. He earned his first of seven straight All-Star appearances as well.

Even though he could not lead the Magic to a deep playoff run, he was the standout player for the team. In his third year in Orlando, McGrady averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game and was in the race for the MVP award. While winning the scoring title, he came fourth in the MVP voting. After another season of impressive individual performances winning the scoring title, he joined the Houston Rockets in 2004. This was where his back issues took center stage.

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After performing consistently in his first season for the Rockets, McGrady only played 47 games and missed the playoffs due to back spasms the next year. Notably, the superstar had to be carried off the court on a stretcher because of a severe flareup. He came back strong the next season, but disappointment in the postseason remained. Also, he looked slower and less explosive. In the next year, McGrady was nursing his shoulder and knee injuries. He missed out on the All-Star for the first time in seven years. The next year he underwent surgeries on his left knee and shoulder because of which he only played 35 games.

With a growing list of injuries, his numbers dwindled. The Rockets then traded McGrady to the New York Knicks in 2009. After one season each for the Knicks, the Detroit Pistons, and the Atlanta Hawks, he left the league. McGrady then announced his retirement after a year of overseas basketball.

#1 Derrick Rose: The youngest NBA MVP

Derrick Rose is the obvious choice for the #1 spot on this list. Rose’s fall from grace was the saddest in the history of the NBA. Even though he is still in the league, fans know he is well past his MVP self. Rose took the league by storm and was one of the most explosive players the league has ever seen. However, this trait of his also led to his downfall. As he bounced out of the arena day in and day out, it took a toll on his body. Rose’s landing was not the softest which coupled with his unreal vertical quickness was a recipe for disaster.

Rose was a major high school and college superstar. In the 2008 NBA draft, his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls selected him as the top pick. He was the hometown boy who was supposed to lead the Bulls to glory once again in the footsteps of the legendary Michael Jordan. As expected, Rose hit the ground running and won the Rookie of the Year award. In the playoffs, the rookie point guard showed glimpses of greatness but he could not lead the Bulls past the first round.

In just his second season, Rose averaged over 20 points per game and made the All-Star team for the first time. He continued his dominant run in the postseason as well. However, Chicago was once again eliminated in the first round. Next year, Rose erupted to 25 points, 7.7 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1 steal per game to win the NBA MVP award. He was and still is the youngest player to ever clinch this reputed award. MVP Rose also led the Bulls to the Conference Finals in 2011 for the first time in over a decade. However, they were no match for the Miami Heat and their Big 3.

Anticipation about Rose and the Bulls grew ahead of the 2011-12 season. However, the high-flying star only played 39 games due to injuries. In game 1 of the first round of the playoffs, Rose tore his ACL and missed the rest of the series. The Bulls were subsequently eliminated. He underwent surgery on his left knee and completely missed out on the 2012-13 season. Rose came back the next year but only played 10 games because of a torn meniscus on his right knee which required surgery.

In the 2014-15 season, Rose had a decent run of games despite two knee injuries. However, his numbers dwindled. Despite the uncertainty, he returned to the playoffs and showed flashes of his MVP self. However, the Bulls were eliminated in the second round. In the 2015-16 season, Rose played 66 games despite an early left orbital bone fracture. Ultimately, the Bulls traded him to the Knicks in the next season. He broke down in front of cameras when his agent broke the news via a phone call.

After one year with the Knicks, Rose had minor stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Pistons. In 2020, he once again returned to the Knicks and played three seasons before joining the Memphis Grizzlies this season at 35. Other than three seasons, Rose has averaged over 10 points per game every year despite his injury troubles. Every year, the 3x NBA All-Star turns back the clock and gives his fans vintage performances. Every year, his fans would dream of a comeback only to realize it was impossible. Rose’s unfortunate decline because of injuries is one of the biggest tragedies in the NBA. Also, one of the biggest what-ifs!

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