20 NBA Stars Who Missed The Most Games This Season

Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, often sidelining top players and impacting their teams’ performance. The 2023-24 NBA season has been no exception, with several prominent stars forced to miss substantial time due to various injuries. From seasoned veterans to rising talents, the league has witnessed numerous absences that have reshaped the competitive landscape.

Throughout the season, these injuries have not only affected individual players but also had significant repercussions for their respective teams. Franchise plans, playoff aspirations, and even long-term player development have been influenced by the absence of key contributors. As the regular season winds down and the postseason approaches, the impact of these injuries continues to reverberate across the league.

T1. Lonzo Ball – Entire NBA Season

Lonzo Ball’s absence from the court has been a significant blow for the Chicago Bulls, as the talented guard has been sidelined for a remarkable 78 games this year due to a knee injury sustained in January 2022. Known for his defensive tenacity and playmaking abilities, Ball’s absence has left a void in the Bulls’ lineup, impacting their performance on both ends of the floor. Despite undergoing extensive rehabilitation efforts, including surgeries and intensive physical therapy, Ball has faced setbacks in his recovery journey, prolonging his time on the sidelines.

As the months have turned into years since his last appearance on the court, questions have emerged regarding Ball’s future in the league. With doubts surrounding his ability to return to peak physical condition and regain his pre-injury form, speculation has mounted about the potential for a career-altering outcome. As Bulls fans eagerly await news of Ball’s progress, the uncertainty surrounding his return casts a shadow over the team’s outlook for the upcoming seasons.

T1. Victor Oladipo – Entire NBA Season

Victor Oladipo’s season took a devastating turn when he suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee last season, an injury that has sidelined him for the entirety of the 2023-24 campaign. Despite being traded from the Houston Rockets to the Memphis Grizzlies in February, Oladipo has been unable to make his debut for his new team due to ongoing rehabilitation efforts and setbacks in his recovery process.

The Grizzlies’ decision to waive Oladipo just a week after acquiring him added further uncertainty to his future in the league. Once regarded as one of the NBA’s premier two-way guards, Oladipo now faces an uphill battle to return to form and prove his value on the court. With each passing game missed, questions mount about Oladipo’s ability to overcome adversity and make a successful comeback to the NBA stage.

T1. Steven Adams – Entire NBA Season

Steven Adams, renowned for his rugged style of play and defensive prowess, has endured a frustrating season on the sidelines. Out for the entire 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, Adams has yet to make his debut for the Houston Rockets after being part of the trade involving Victor Oladipo. The absence of the seasoned veteran has left a void in the Rockets’ frontcourt, impacting their rebounding and interior defense.

4. Ben Simmons – 64 Games

Ben Simmons’ absence has been deeply felt by the Brooklyn Nets throughout the 2023-24 NBA season. After being acquired in a blockbuster trade for James Harden in 2022, Simmons was expected to play a pivotal role alongside the team’s superstar duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, injuries have plagued Simmons, forcing him to miss 64 games due to a combination of back, leg, and knee issues, as well as ongoing injury management.

Simmons’ versatile skill set, particularly his elite defensive abilities and playmaking prowess, were seen as crucial assets for the Nets’ championship aspirations. His absence on the court has highlighted the team’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of depth in certain areas. Despite making a limited return to action in 15 games, Simmons’ impact has been somewhat muted, as he averaged 7.9 rebounds, 6.1 points, and 5.7 assists per game.

5. Marcus Smart – 57 Games

Marcus Smart’s tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies got off to a rocky start due to a series of injuries that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. Acquired in the offseason to bolster the team’s defensive identity and provide leadership on the court, Smart’s impact has been limited by finger and ankle injuries, forcing him to miss 57 games.

Known for his tenacity and hustle on defense, Smart’s absence has been keenly felt by the Grizzlies, who have struggled to find consistency on that end of the floor. His leadership and vocal presence have also been missed, especially during crunch time situations. Despite the challenges, Smart remains optimistic about his recovery and eventual return to full strength.

As Memphis looks to solidify its position in the Western Conference standings, Smart’s return to health could provide a much-needed boost for the team. His defensive intensity and ability to make winning plays could be instrumental in the Grizzlies’ playoff push and aspirations for a deep postseason run.

6. LaMelo Ball – 56 Games

LaMelo Ball’s absence has been a significant blow for the Charlotte Hornets, who have sorely missed his dynamic playmaking and scoring ability. A rising star in the league, Ball was expected to take another leap in his development during the 2023-24 season. However, an ankle injury suffered on January 26 sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign, forcing him to miss 56 games.

Despite his shortened season, Ball made a considerable impact when healthy, averaging 23.9 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game in 22 appearances. His ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates was a key driving force behind the Hornets’ success earlier in the season. However, his absence has left a void in the team’s offense, as they have struggled to replicate his production in his absence.

As Ball continues his rehabilitation and recovery, the Hornets remain optimistic about his long-term prospects. His return to full health will be eagerly awaited, as he remains a cornerstone of the franchise’s future and a key contributor to their success on the court.

7. Zach LaVine – 53 Games

Zach LaVine’s absence has been a significant setback for the Chicago Bulls, who have missed his scoring prowess and offensive versatility. A dynamic guard known for his scoring ability and athleticism, LaVine has been sidelined for the season due to a foot injury sustained in January. Despite his absence, LaVine managed to make an impact when healthy, averaging 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game in 25 appearances.

The Bulls’ offense has struggled to find consistency without LaVine on the court, as they have relied heavily on his shot creation and playmaking abilities. His absence has also placed added pressure on other players to step up and fill the scoring void. As the Bulls look to secure their position in the Eastern Conference standings and make a play-in run, LaVine’s health remains a top priority, with hopes of his eventual return to the lineup.

8. Derrick Rose – 52 Games

Derrick Rose’s return to the Memphis Grizzlies was met with optimism and anticipation, as the former MVP was expected to provide valuable veteran leadership and playmaking off the bench. However, injuries have once again derailed Rose’s season, as he has been sidelined for 52 games due to a combination of back, ankle, hamstring, and knee issues.

Despite his limited availability, Rose made an impact when healthy, averaging 8.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 1.9 rebounds per game in 24 appearances. His ability to create scoring opportunities and orchestrate the offense was evident, providing a valuable spark off the bench for the Grizzlies. Yet, his absence has highlighted the team’s lack of depth at the guard position, as they have struggled to find consistent production from the backcourt.

9. Mitchell Robinson – 51 Games

Mitchell Robinson’s absence was a significant blow for the New York Knicks, who sorely missed his presence in the paint and rim protection. The talented center missed 51 games due to an ankle injury that required surgery, sidelining him for a significant portion of the season. Robinson’s impact on both ends of the floor was sorely missed by the Knicks, who struggled to replicate his defensive prowess and rebounding ability in his absence.

Despite his shortened season, Robinson made an immediate impact upon his return, averaging 9.2 rebounds, 5.7 points, and 1.3 steals per game in 27 appearances. His ability to alter shots and deter opponents from attacking the rim was a key factor in the Knicks’ defensive schemes. With Robinson back in the lineup, the Knicks have regained a valuable defensive anchor and rim protector, providing a much-needed boost as they look to secure a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

T10. Shaedon Sharpe – 44 Games

Shaedon Sharpe’s breakout season with the Portland Trail Blazers has been hampered by a series of abdominal, groin, and adductor injuries, sidelining him for 44 games. As the 7th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe was expected to be a key contributor to Portland’s roster as they undergo a rebuilding phase. However, his limited availability has prevented him from fully showcasing his talents on the court.

Despite his injury setbacks, Sharpe has shown flashes of his potential when healthy, averaging 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in 32 appearances. His scoring ability and versatility make him a valuable asset for the Trail Blazers’ future, but his development has been stunted by his time on the sidelines. As Portland looks to build for the future, Sharpe’s health and continued development will be crucial factors in their long-term plans.

T10. Ja Morant – 44 Games

Ja Morant’s season got off to a rocky start with a suspension of 25 games at the beginning of the season, followed by a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign. Despite his limited availability, Morant made a significant impact when healthy, showcasing his scoring prowess and playmaking ability.

In just nine games, Morant averaged an impressive 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, demonstrating his importance to the Memphis Grizzlies’ success. However, his absence has been keenly felt by the team, which has struggled to maintain momentum without its star point guard on the court. As Morant continues his rehabilitation and recovery, the Grizzlies remain hopeful that he will return to full health and lead them on a deep playoff run.

12. Joel Embiid – 41 Games

Joel Embiid’s season has been marred by a series of knee, ankle, and hip injuries, limiting him to just 41 games played. Despite his limited availability, Embiid has remained a dominant force on the court, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game in 37 appearances.

Embiid’s impact on the Philadelphia 76ers’ success cannot be overstated, as he has been the focal point of their offense and a defensive anchor in the paint. However, his absence has left a void in the team’s lineup, as they have struggled to replicate his production. As the 76ers look to make a deep playoff run, Embiid’s health will be a top priority, with hopes that he can stay on the court and lead them to championship contention.

13. Tyler Herro – 40 Games

Tyler Herro’s season with the Miami Heat has been marked by a series of injuries, including foot, knee, head, shoulder, and ankle issues, which have sidelined him for 40 games. Despite his limited availability, Herro has been a key contributor when healthy, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.

In 38 games played, Herro averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, demonstrating his importance to the Heat’s success. His ability to create shots for himself and his teammates has been instrumental in Miami’s offensive schemes. However, his absence has been felt by the team, which has struggled to maintain consistency without his scoring punch on the court.

14. Markelle Fultz – 38 Games

Markelle Fultz’s season with the Orlando Magic has been disrupted by knee injuries and load management, limiting him to just 38 games played. Despite his limited availability, Fultz has made an impact when healthy, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills.

In 39 games played, Fultz averaged 7.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, demonstrating his versatility on the court. His ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates has been a key asset for the Magic, who have exceeded expectations with a 46-32 record, currently 3rd in the Eastern Conference.

15. Desmond Bane – 35 Games

Desmond Bane’s season with the Memphis Grizzlies has been interrupted by back and ankle injuries, limiting him to just 35 games played. Despite his limited availability, Bane has been a key contributor when healthy, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive prowess.

In 42 games played, Bane averaged 23.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. His ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting and contribute on defense has been invaluable for the Grizzlies.

However, despite Bane’s contributions, the Grizzlies have faced challenges this season and are currently positioned 13th in the Western Conference standings. Nonetheless, Bane’s return to full health will be crucial.

16. Evan Mobley – 34 Games

Evan Mobley, the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rising star, has faced adversity this season due to knee and ankle injuries, limiting him to just 34 games played. Despite his challenges, Mobley has showcased his immense potential and versatility on the court.

In 47 games played, Mobley averaged 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game, emerging as a cornerstone for the Cavaliers’ future success. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has been evident, as he has anchored Cleveland’s defense with his shot-blocking prowess while also displaying a polished offensive skill set.

Despite Mobley’s contributions, the Cavaliers have faced their fair share of ups and downs this season. However, his return to full health will be pivotal for Cleveland as they look to continue their development and compete in the Eastern Conference.

17. Julius Randle – 32 Games

Julius Randle, the New York Knicks’ All-Star forward, has endured a challenging season marred by a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for 32 games. Unfortunately, Randle’s injury has recently been deemed season-ending, as he underwent shoulder surgery that will keep him out for the remainder of the campaign. He had not played since the end of January for the Knicks. Despite his absence, Randle has been a force to be reckoned with when healthy, showcasing his scoring ability and leadership on the court.

In 46 games played, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top forwards. His ability to create mismatches and score from all areas of the court has been instrumental for the Knicks’ success.

Despite Randle’s contributions, the Knicks have faced adversity this season. However, his leadership and presence will be missed as New York navigates the remainder of the season without him. The return of Mitchell Robinson will help offset Randle’s absence, as the Knicks aim to maintain their position in the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference and make a push for the playoffs.

18. OG Anunoby – 31 Games

OG Anunoby, another addition to the New York Knicks’ roster via trade in January, has faced a series of injury setbacks during the season, including elbow, finger, and leg injuries, which have limited him to just 31 games played. Despite his time on the sidelines, Anunoby has been a crucial factor for the Knicks since his arrival, providing valuable contributions on both ends of the floor.

In 41 games played this season, Anunoby has averaged 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, showcasing his scoring ability and defensive prowess. His versatility and impact have been evident for the Knicks, who have relied on his presence to bolster their lineup.

Although injuries have hampered Anunoby’s availability, his contributions have been invaluable for the Knicks’ success. As New York looks to maintain its position in the Eastern Conference standings and make a push for the playoffs, Anunoby’s continued health and performance will be essential for their postseason aspirations.

19. Bradley Beal – 29 Games

In his first season with the Phoenix Suns after being traded from the Washington Wizards in the offseason, Bradley Beal has faced many injuries including hamstring, ankle, and back issues, limiting him to just 29 games played. The Suns had high expectations for their superteam featuring Beal alongside stars like Booker and Durant, but injuries have disrupted their plans.

Despite Beal’s limited availability, he has managed to make an impact when on the court, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in 49 appearances. However, the Suns’ lofty aspirations have been tempered by Beal’s frequent absences, and they currently sit 6th in the Western Conference with a record of 46-32.

As the Suns look to make a postseason push, they will be hoping for Beal’s return to full health to bolster their lineup and make a deeper run in the playoffs.

20. Trae Young – 22 Games

Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks has been sidelined for 22 games due to a finger injury, and there is no definitive timetable for his return. The Hawks have endured a challenging season, currently sitting at 10th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 36-42.

Despite his limited availability, Young has been a standout performer when healthy, averaging 26.4 points, 10.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game in 51 appearances. His absence has been keenly felt by the Hawks, who have struggled to maintain consistency without their star point guard on the court.