Injuries are part of basketball, but some NBA players have suffered bizarre and unexpected injuries that left fans and analysts in shock. From celebrating too hard to suffering a freak accident at home, here are some of the weirdest injuries in NBA history.
1. Amar’e Stoudemire’s Punch of Regret 👊🤦♂️
After a playoff loss in 2012, Amar’e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks punched a fire extinguisher case in frustration, leading to a severe hand injury. The glass cut his hand deeply, requiring stitches and forcing him to miss crucial playoff games.
✅ Lesson learned: Never take out your anger on an inanimate object! 😅
2. Derrick Rose’s Mysterious Elbow Injury 🤷♂️🏥
Derrick Rose, known for his injury struggles, once suffered a bizarre elbow injury while sitting on the bench during a game. He wasn’t even playing at the time! His arm swelled up suddenly, forcing him to miss games.
✅ Lesson learned: The bench isn’t always a safe place!
3. Lionel Simmons’ Gaming Obsession 🎮🤕
Lionel Simmons, a talented scorer for the Sacramento Kings in the 1990s, developed wrist tendinitis from playing too much Nintendo Game Boy! His gaming addiction led to pain and swelling, keeping him out of action for several games.
✅ Lesson learned: Gamers, take breaks and stretch those wrists!
4. Metta World Peace’s Toothpick Trouble 🦷🔥
Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest) suffered a mouth injury from chewing a toothpick during practice. He admitted that he had a habit of playing with a toothpick in his mouth, and it almost led to a serious oral injury.
✅ Lesson learned: Toothpicks and sports don’t mix!
5. Kevin Love’s Handshake Gone Wrong 🤝❌
During a practice session in 2018, Kevin Love suffered a fractured hand after an awkward handshake with a teammate. The impact was strong enough to sideline him for weeks!
✅ Lesson learned: Even a friendly gesture can go wrong in the NBA.
6. Charles Barkley’s Lotion Incident 🧴😂
During his career, Charles Barkley missed games due to an allergic reaction to lotion! He had applied a new body lotion, which caused a bad rash, swelling, and irritation.
✅ Lesson learned: Always patch-test new products before using them!
7. Paul Pierce’s Wheelchair Mystery 🏀🦽
During the 2008 NBA Finals, Paul Pierce collapsed dramatically and was wheeled off the court. But just minutes later, he returned to the game and played like nothing happened! To this day, fans debate whether it was a real injury or just an overreaction.
✅ Lesson learned: Sometimes, the body heals miraculously fast—especially in the Finals!
8. Devin Harris’ Strange Toe Injury 🦶💢
Devin Harris once missed games due to a toe injury caused by a teammate stepping on his foot—during warmups! He hadn’t even played a minute yet but was already sidelined.
✅ Lesson learned: Warmups can be dangerous, too!
9. Andrew Bynum’s Bowling Disaster 🎳😖
Andrew Bynum, known for his injury troubles, made things worse by hurting his knee while bowling. This bizarre accident delayed his return to the NBA, frustrating both fans and his team.
✅ Lesson learned: Stick to basketball—bowling isn’t worth the risk!
10. Steve Nash’s Broken Nose… Repeatedly! 👃😵
Steve Nash, one of the toughest players in NBA history, broke his nose multiple times but kept playing. One of the most famous incidents happened in the 2007 playoffs, when he continued to play with blood dripping from his nose!
✅ Lesson learned: Some players are just built differently! 💪🔥
11. Blake Griffin’s Christmas Day Disaster 🎄🤦♂️
Blake Griffin once missed games because of a staph infection caused by a small cut he got on Christmas Day. The minor injury turned into a major medical issue, forcing him to sit out for weeks.
✅ Lesson learned: Even small injuries can escalate if not treated properly!
12. J.J. Redick’s Hotel Door Incident 🚪😵
J.J. Redick once injured his hand while trying to exit a hotel room. He accidentally slammed his hand against the door, causing swelling and pain that kept him out of a game.
✅ Lesson learned: Hotel doors can be your worst enemy!
13. Caron Butler’s Straw Addiction 🚬🤔
Caron Butler had a weird habit of chewing on plastic straws, and it actually led to a jaw issue. The repetitive motion caused pain and discomfort, forcing him to give up his unusual habit.
✅ Lesson learned: Some habits can be bad for your health!
14. Michael Jordan’s Cut from a Cigar ✂️🔥
Michael Jordan, known for his love of cigars, once cut his finger while trying to snip the end of a cigar. The injury affected his ability to grip the basketball and briefly impacted his game.
✅ Lesson learned: Even legends can suffer from unusual injuries!
15. LeBron James’ Severe Cramps 🥵💦
In the 2014 NBA Finals, LeBron James suffered extreme leg cramps due to the air conditioning failing in the arena. He had to be carried off the court, and the Miami Heat struggled without him.
✅ Lesson learned: Hydration is key for peak performance!
Final Thoughts: NBA Injuries Can Be Unpredictable! 😲🏀
While basketball injuries are common, some players have suffered from truly bizarre accidents that no one could have expected. Whether it’s video game injuries, handshake mishaps, or lotion allergies, the NBA has seen it all!
🔥 What’s the weirdest injury you’ve ever seen in sports? Comment below! 👇🏀
