The three-time NBA champion basketball player almost had his leg amputated
Having suffered 4 terrible injuries at the same time, Shaun Livingston miraculously returned to play at the top for 14 more seasons and ended his career with 3 NBA championships.
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| In 2007, Shaun Livingston suffered the most terrible injury in the history of basketball, even sports. Livingston’s left knee was broken after a bad landing when going to the basket. “The knee was completely deformed, full of blood and pus. I couldn’t move it. It was very stiff. It felt like I had an extra leg,” Livingston told The Undefeated in 2016. |
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| Livingston suffered a mixture of injuries including torn anterior cruciate ligament, torn posterior cruciate ligament, torn medial knee ligament and torn meniscus on both sides. In other words, Livingston’s left knee was completely destroyed. The injury was so serious that ESPNews had to issue a warning to viewers on television. |
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| Doctors even thought they would have to amputate part of Livingston’s left leg to prevent the knee from becoming necrotic. Livingston’s promising career almost ended after that injury. Fortunately, Livingston did not have to have his leg amputated and still had surgery normally. However, many medical experts believe that Livingston will lose the ability to play basketball after recovering. |
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| Livingston miraculously recovered after 16 months of effort and serious training. However, the Los Angeles Clippers decided not to re-sign Livingston. “This is the most serious injury a player can have in the knee. He could be out of action for many years to come,” Clippers physical therapist Tony Daly shared with ESPN . |
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| Livingston began his “nomad life” playing for 8 different teams in 11 seasons in the NBA. He never developed to his expected potential. He entered the final years of his glorious career when he joined the Golden State Warriors in 2014. |
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| Livingston plays a backup role for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson at Oracle Arena. He has what many players who strive for their whole career still cannot reach: the NBA championship. Livingston won 3 NBA championships in 5 seasons with the Warriors. |
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| Livingston’s story became an inspiration for many generations of unfortunate players who suffered serious injuries later. “I want people who are unfortunate enough to be injured to take my story to stand up again, have a stronger will and be more determined,” Livingston shared with ESPN writer Marc J. Spears. |
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| In September 2019, Livingston announced his retirement after 15 years of playing at the highest level. “After 15 years in the NBA, I’m happy, sad, lucky and grateful for everything. It’s hard to express all the emotions when I tried and fulfilled my dream,” Livingston shared. on social networks. |
