Five best players who missed the entire 2021/22 NBA season

• Whether due to injuries or another reason, several NBA players were forced to watch their teams from the touchline this season
• Williamson was inactive this season due to a foot injury, and his team was defeated in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns
• Jamal Murray, the king of the 2020 Orlando Bubble, had popped up as the league’s top player before sustaining an ACL injury

Injuries hinder some players’ careers, but Michael Jordan, the baseball legend, once missed an entire season after switching to baseball in 1993.

Although there are some conspiracy theories concerning his NBA long break, MJ played Minor League Baseball for the Birmingham Barons in 1993/94, as the Chicago Bulls failed to win the championship for the first time since 1990

 but let’s hope our chosen NBA stars will return stronger after they recover. Sportsleo selects the five best players who were unable to play on an NBA court in 21/22.

Kawhi Leonard – Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard. Photo: MARCA

During the 2021 playoffs, Leonard suffered a mysterious injury. He had injured his knee, but the Los Angeles Clippers refused to say how badly he was hurt, as some fans hoped he would return in the postseason.

He did not return, and he still hasn’t, due to a torn ACL. The Clippers were eliminated from the playoffs after falling to the New Orleans Pelicans in the play-in tournament.

With the absence of Leonard, Paul George – who was dealing with his injury issues – had to step up.

He was absent for the crucial play-in game against the Pelicans after entering Covid-19 health and safety protocols.

The Clippers’ chances of winning their first championship will improve significantly if the two-time champion and Finals MVP returns next season.

Jamal Murray – Denver Nuggets

Jamal Murray: Photo:Getty Images

The king of the 2020 Orlando Bubble, Murray had popped up as the league’s top player before sustaining an ACL injury.

Murray averaged 26.5 points per game in the postseason in 19/20 and carried that form into the following season before his career ended in his 48th game.

The Nuggets could use Murray’s return if they want to make the playoffs anytime soon. Michael Malone’s team has been hampered by his injury and Michael Porter Jr’s ongoing issues.

Even after overall team success, Nikola Jokic has flourished in the absence of his co-star, earning MVP honours in 2021 and 2022

John Wall – Houston Rockets

John Wall. Photo: Getty Images

Wall sat out the entire season, making him the only player on this list who was not injured. In recent years, Wall has been plagued by injuries, missing 19/20 games after fracturing his Achilles tendon.

This is partly due to his lack of activity, as the Houston Rockets try to keep him healthy to trade him.

The ex-All-Star announced in November that he would not play for the Rockets following a dispute over his role on the team.

Wall desired to start, but the organisation hoped he might come off the bench. So, to answer the question, ‘Why isn’t John Wall playing?’

Wall has one of the most lucrative contracts in NBA history, making it hard for Houston to move him.

Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Willliamson was inactive this season due to a foot injury. Photo: Sporting News

Williamson was drafted first overall in 2019 and played 24 games in his rookie season before appearing 61 times in 20/21.

Williamson was inactive this season due to a foot injury, and his team was defeated in the first round of the playoffs by the 1-seed Phoenix Suns.

Much has been made of the power forward’s wellness and injuries, and he will have to stay fit to fulfil his tremendous potential.

James Wiseman – Golden State Warriors

James Wiseman broke his right meniscus in April 2021 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Photo: Getty Images

The Warriors had a couple of rough seasons and were given a high draught pick. They drafted Wiseman at number two in 2020 in search of the All-Star centre they have lacked in recent years, but that hasn’t prevented them from success.

Wiseman broke his right meniscus in April 2021 and was ruled out for the rest of the season 

After a setback in March 2022 prevented him from playing for the Santa Cruz Warriors and Golden State’s NBA G League affiliate team, as he prepared for a come back to the NBA, the majority became the full extent.

Wiseman averaged 11.5 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, and 0.9 blocks per game in 39 games (27 starts) in his Rookey season.