Athletes
Reported injury stories from professional basketball. Athlete facts are media-reported and clearly marked — they are never presented as evidence-based guidance.
Derrick Rose
Guard · Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Other teams
Former NBA MVP known for his explosiveness. He reportedly tore his ACL in the 2012 playoffs and missed the following season. Rehab details below are unverified placeholders pending sourced review.
Kawhi Leonard
Forward · San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers
Two-time Finals MVP whose knee problems reportedly shaped his career from 2017 onward, including a supervised load-management approach after returning from injury. Details below are unverified placeholders pending sourced review.
Kevin Durant
Forward · Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Other teams
NBA champion and MVP forward. He reportedly ruptured his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals and returned to elite play after surgery and a long rehabilitation. Rehab details below are unverified placeholders pending sourced review.
Kobe Bryant
Guard · Los Angeles Lakers
Hall of Fame guard who reportedly sustained major injuries late in his career, including an Achilles rupture (2013), a knee injury (2013), and a shoulder tear (2015), returning from each before retiring in 2016. Rehab details below are unverified placeholders pending sourced review.
Stephen Curry
Guard · Golden State Warriors
Two-time NBA MVP known for his shooting. Early in his career he reportedly dealt with recurring right ankle sprains that led to surgery, after which he played at an elite level for many seasons. Rehab details below are unverified placeholders pending sourced review.