So, when you think about NBA players and their comebacks, a few names probably pop into your mind. One of the most incredible comeback stories belongs to Paul George. In 2014, George suffered a gruesome leg injury during a Team USA scrimmage. I remember watching the incident on TV, and it looked brutal. The way his leg just snapped — it felt like the world of basketball was in shock. Most people thought George might never be the same, but he proved everyone wrong. George came back in the 2015-2016 season, and he averaged 23.1 points per game, all while shooting 41% from the field. His effort got him the 2016 NBA All-Star Game MVP, and he hasn’t looked back since. He transformed from a great player to one of the elite, known for both his offense and his tenacious defense.
Another story I can’t help but remember is Derrick Rose. Rose was the youngest player ever to win the MVP at just 22 years old in 2011. His explosiveness and sheer will to win had everyone comparing him to NBA legends. But then injuries hit him hard. Torn ACL, meniscus issues — it felt like every time Rose started to find his form, another injury would take him down. However, in the 2018-2019 season, while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rose had a renaissance of sorts. He even dropped a career-high 50 points in a game against the Utah Jazz. It was emotional; Rose was in tears during the post-game interview. He’s been a solid contributor since, adapting his game from an explosive driver to a more nuanced, intelligent playmaker.
Kevin Durant also has an incredible comeback story. In the 2019 NBA Finals, Durant went down with a ruptured Achilles tendon while playing for the Golden State Warriors. The Achilles injury is notorious for ending careers in sports. Just think of how Kobe Bryant struggled to return after a similar injury. Durant missed the entire 2019-2020 season, but when he returned with the Brooklyn Nets in the 2020-2021 season, he looked almost as if he never left. I mean, the guy averaged 26.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game during that season. That level of performance, post-Achilles tear, is practically unheard of in NBA history.
We also have to talk about Gordon Hayward. Hayward’s injury on opening night in 2017, just minutes into his debut for the Boston Celtics, was heart-wrenching. He suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia. It was a huge setback considering the Celtics had high hopes for the season with their new star player. Hayward took almost a full year to return, and it took another year for him to get back to his old self. By the 2019-2020 season, Hayward was averaging 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He proved to everyone that perseverance and hard work can get you back to top form, even after a devastating injury.
And who can forget about Klay Thompson? Thompson suffered not one, but two major injuries — a torn ACL in the 2019 NBA Finals and a torn Achilles tendon in 2020. Missing two consecutive seasons had many wondering if he'd ever be the same again. But I watched his return in the 2021-2022 season, and let me tell you, it was inspiring. Despite limited minutes initially, Thompson still managed to average 20.4 points per game while maintaining his elite three-point shooting percentage at 41.9%. He's one of the greatest shooters the game has ever seen, and his ability to bounce back after such traumatic injuries is nothing short of miraculous.
Lest we forget, there was also DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins dealt with an Achilles tear, a quadriceps injury, and then an ACL tear, all within a short span. It felt like every time he was about to make a full recovery, another injury setback occurred. Yet, Cousins kept grinding. Although he hasn’t quite returned to the All-Star form he displayed with the Kings and Pelicans, he has become a valuable role player off the bench, contributing to multiple teams. His story is a testament to resilience in the face of repeated adversity.
John Wall’s story is another one that comes to mind. Wall was known for his speed and playmaking ability, but injuries, including a ruptured Achilles, kept him off the court for over two years. People wondered if he could still be a starting point guard in the NBA. When Wall returned to the Houston Rockets in the 2020-2021 season, he averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game. While the Rockets struggled as a team, Wall showed that he still had plenty of fuel left in the tank.
Alright, I have to mention Victor Oladipo too. Oladipo’s journey back from a ruptured quad tendon was grueling. He got injured in January 2019 and had multiple setbacks during rehab. His return in the 2020-2021 season included a trade to the Miami Heat, where he started showing flashes of his old self. It’s been a slow climb, but he’s been able to contribute effectively and has shown that the potential for a full resurgence is there.
One last notable mention would be Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis tore his ACL in 2018 while playing for the New York Knicks and missed the entire 2018-2019 season. When he came back, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he teamed up with Luka Dončić. By the 2019-2020 season, Porzingis was averaging 20.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting and protect the rim made him a critical part of the Mavericks’ lineup.
So, you see, these players have faced what seemed like insurmountable odds and came back stronger. They redefined the meaning of resilience and determination, setting examples for future generations of athletes who may face similar adversities. If you’re into following these kinds of inspiring stories, check out arena plus for more sports content.