The NBA season is full of surprises, but not all of them are pleasant. Sometimes, players get injured in the most unexpected and bizarre ways, such as being bitten by their own dog. That’s what happened to Aaron Gordon, the star forward of the Denver Nuggets, who is now out indefinitely after suffering cuts to his face and hand from his canine companion.
Aaron Gordon’s Dog Bite Incident
According to ESPN, Gordon was playing with his dog at home on Monday, when the animal suddenly snapped and bit him. He sustained lacerations to his left eye and right hand, requiring 21 stitches. He missed the Nuggets’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, and his return date is unknown.
Gordon, who joined the Nuggets in a trade from the Orlando Magic last season, has been a key contributor to the team’s success. He is averaging 13.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, while providing stellar defense and athleticism. His absence is a big blow to the Nuggets, who are already without Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. due to injuries.
Other Recent Bizarre NBA Injuries
Gordon is not the only NBA player who has suffered a strange injury this season. Here are some other examples of bizarre mishaps that have sidelined some of the league’s stars:
- Golden State Warriors’ injury woes: The Warriors have been plagued by injuries all season, but some of them have been downright weird. For instance, Stephen Curry missed a game in November after being hit in the eye by a towel thrown by a teammate. Klay Thompson, who is recovering from a torn Achilles, suffered a concussion after hitting his head on a ceiling fan. And Draymond Green missed a game in December after getting food poisoning from eating a bad burrito.
- Jim Harbaugh and Nick Saban’s Mickey Mouse photo: In one of the most hilarious incidents of the season, two college football coaches were involved in an NBA injury. Jim Harbaugh of Michigan and Nick Saban of Alabama were attending the Orlando Magic game on December 6, when they decided to take a photo with Mickey Mouse, who was wearing a Magic jersey. However, as they posed with the mascot, Harbaugh accidentally elbowed Saban in the face, causing him to bleed from his nose. Saban, who is also the father-in-law of Magic guard Cole Anthony, had to leave the game early to get medical attention.
- Miller Moss named USC’s starting quarterback: In a surprising twist, the USC Trojans announced that Miller Moss, a freshman quarterback, will start their next game against UCLA. Moss, who was a four-star recruit, has not played a single snap for the Trojans this season, but he got the nod after the team’s regular starter, Kedon Slovis, injured his thumb while playing NBA 2K. Slovis, who is a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, was playing the video game with his roommate, when he got frustrated and slammed his controller, hurting his throwing hand. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.
League Updates
While some players are dealing with bizarre injuries, others are making headlines for different reasons. Here are some of the latest news and updates from the NBA:
- Approval of Dallas Mavericks sale: The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the Dallas Mavericks to a group led by former NBA player Grant Hill. Hill, who is a Hall of Famer and a seven-time All-Star, will become the first African-American majority owner of an NBA franchise. He will pay $2.4 billion for the Mavericks, who are currently owned by Mark Cuban. Cuban, who bought the team in 2000, will retain a minority stake and remain as the team’s governor.
- Impact of Shohei Ohtani on free agency: Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star of the Los Angeles Angels, has been dominating the MLB this season, leading the league in home runs and strikeouts. His unprecedented performance has caught the attention of many NBA players, who are inspired by his versatility and talent. Some of them, such as LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant, have expressed their admiration for Ohtani on social media, and have hinted that they would like to play with him in the future. Ohtani, who is eligible for free agency after the 2023 season, could have a huge impact on the NBA landscape if he decides to switch sports.
- Trends in NBA injuries: According to a report by ESPN, the NBA has seen a significant increase in injuries this season, especially among its top players. The report, which analyzed data from the last five seasons, found that 15 of the 30 All-Stars from last season have missed at least 10 games this season, and that the number of games missed by All-Stars has doubled from last season. The report also found that the number of players who have suffered season-ending injuries has risen by 50% from last season. The report attributed the spike in injuries to several factors, such as the shortened offseason, the condensed schedule, the COVID-19 protocols, and the lack of rest and recovery.
Conclusion
The NBA season is always full of surprises, but some of them are more bizarre than others. From dog bites to towel throws, from video games to burritos, some of the league’s stars have suffered injuries in the most unexpected and unusual ways. However, despite the challenges and setbacks, the NBA remains one of the most exciting and entertaining sports leagues in the world.
