Every now and then, the NBA gives us stories that transcend the sport itself, and it's not surprising to see fans get inspired by some of the most dramatic comebacks in the league's history. Take, for instance, the incredible comeback of Paul George. In 2014, during a high-stakes Team USA scrimmage, he suffered a compound fracture in his right leg that left many wondering if he'd ever play again. But George didn't just come back; he returned to an elite level. In the 2018-2019 season, he averaged 28 points per game, ranked second in the league in scoring, and finished third in MVP voting. Those are numbers most players don't achieve even with two healthy legs!
Then there's the unforgettable story of Shaun Livingston. In 2007, he experienced one of the most gruesome knee injuries in NBA history. Everything in his knee—ACL, PCL, MCL, lateral meniscus—was torn. Most athletes would have called it a career right then and there. But not Livingston. After years of rehabilitation and brief stints with various teams, he found a permanent home with the Golden State Warriors in 2014. By the time he retired in 2019, he had three championship rings to his name and was an integral part of one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. Imagine going from potentially never walking again to playing a key role on a dynasty team!
Equally compelling is the comeback of Derrick Rose. Once the youngest MVP in NBA history at the age of 22, Rose faced a litany of injuries that derailed his career. His ACL tear during the 2012 playoffs was the first of many. For years, he struggled to find his old form, bouncing around teams and never quite getting back to his MVP self. But in the 2018-2019 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rose showed flashes of brilliance, dropping a career-high 50 points in an emotional win against the Utah Jazz. You could see the raw emotion as he broke down in tears post-game—not just as an athlete but as a human being who faced and overcame adversity.
How about Grant Hill? People often forget that Hill was touted as the next Michael Jordan during his early years, earning NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1995 and being named an All-Star seven times. But recurring ankle injuries nearly ended his career. At one point, he underwent several surgeries, including a near-fatal MRSA infection. Still, Hill never waved the white flag. After multiple seasons lost to injury, he made a remarkable return with the Phoenix Suns, where he played until he retired at the age of 40. He wasn’t just a role player either; he was a key contributor, eventually becoming one of the oldest players to play significant minutes.
Perhaps less publicized but equally impressive, consider the journey of Rudy Gay. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in 2017 while playing for the Sacramento Kings, an injury that typically marks the decline of athletic performance. Instead, Gay worked tirelessly in his rehab, and by the 2017-2018 season, he was back on the court. He signed with the San Antonio Spurs and became a valuable contributor, averaging around 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. His journey from Achilles rupture to reliable veteran presence epitomizes resilience.
Then, there's Kevin Durant. After an Achilles injury in the 2019 NBA Finals, many skeptics thought his best days were behind him—especially since history hasn't been kind to players recovering from that particular injury. But Durant proved otherwise. Upon his return in the 2020-2021 season with the Brooklyn Nets, Durant averaged 26.9 points per game and looked just as lethal as before. His efficiency was off the charts, with a shooting percentage of 53.7%. Those aren't just good numbers; they're superstar numbers.
Does anyone remember Tracy McGrady's brief yet inspiring comeback with the San Antonio Spurs? McGrady, a two-time scoring champion and seven-time All-Star, saw his career plagued by back and knee injuries. After playing overseas and a short stint in the NBA, he signed with the Spurs during their 2013 playoff run. While he didn’t see much time on the court, the fact that he returned to a championship-caliber team spoke volumes about his perseverance. Even in a limited role, his mere presence brought valuable experience to the team.
And let's not overlook Michael Jordan. Yes, he’s arguably the greatest of all time, but his first retirement in 1993 and subsequent return to the NBA in 1995 is one for the ages. After a brief and somewhat unremarkable baseball career, Jordan came back to the Chicago Bulls and led them to three more NBA titles. During the 1995-1996 season, he averaged 30.4 points per game and the Bulls won an NBA-record 72 games. Michael Jordan’s second act wasn’t just a return; it was domination.
Lastly, I've got to mention Chauncey Billups. Often overlooked, Billups struggled in his early NBA years, bouncing from team to team. But he found his stride with the Detroit Pistons, leading them to an NBA Championship in 2004 and earning Finals MVP. Despite dealing with injuries later in his career, Billups returned to contribute valuable minutes for the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets. His persistence embodies what a comeback truly means in the NBA.