5 of the most injury-prone NBA players entering the 2021-22 season

The biggest storyline in the 2021 NBA playoffs was the injury to star players. The two finalists and respective conference champions, Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, faced injury-riddled teams on their way to the Finals. Many would agree that if Anthony Davis had not hurt himself, the LA Lakers would have knocked out the Phoenix Suns. Similarly for the LA Clippers and Denver Nuggets, a healthy Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray respectively would have helped them against the Suns.

There were more than eight All-Stars injured in the playoffs, the most in NBA history.

It's not an excuse. It's an explanation. Injuries have been the single most powerful force shaping this year's NBA playoffs. https://t.co/ToebQwj338

— WSJ Sports (@WSJSports) June 21, 2021

Which NBA player has a recent history of injuries?

Naturally, health is a major focus for teams as we head into the 2021-22 NBA season. The Golden State Warriors' title hopes depend solely on the return and health of Klay Thompson. Similarly, the Brooklyn Nets had the championship in their sights had they not lost their stars in the second round.

Let's take a look at the five most injury-prone players entering in the 2021-22 NBA season.

#1 Anthony Davis

(second from left) Anthony Davis watches from the LA Lakers bench

Anthony Davis has missed just as many games as he has played in the last year. He dealt with his fair share of injuries during his time with the New Orleans Pelicans as well, and now he cannot seem to shake the injury bug. Davis played just 36 games in the regular season and was hurt during the first round of the playoffs last season.

Anthony Davis Fires Back at Critics Over Injury-Prone Label (@AntDavis23 @lakers @nba) https://t.co/rfnM73Gpky

— DJ Vlad - VladTV.com (@djvlad) June 5, 2021

The slightest contact or impact appears to lead to Davis missing games. He was on the team's injury report for numerous reasons, including ankle, adductor, heel, and calf injuries, among others. The LA Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in the offseason and are now the second-best favorites for the 2022 NBA championship. Anthony Davis is a major piece of their championship puzzle and he must remain fit for a successful title run.

#2 Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo with the Miami Heat [Source: InsideSport]

Victor Oladipo started the 2020-21 NBA season as a member of the Indiana Pacers who was then traded to the Houston Rockets are part of the blockbuster James Harden trade. After playing a handful of games for them, he was headed to Miami to play with the Heat. However, Oladipo played just four games for the Heat and spent the rest of the season injured.

Oladipo is another player who has carried the "injury-prone" label for a while now. He has played just 88 games in the last three seasons combined, never playing more than 20 games at a stretch. When he was added to the Miami Heat, people expected them to make noise in the NBA playoffs but Oladipo never appeared for the team in the postseason.

Moreover, the Miami Heat announced that Victor Oladipo is going to undergo surgery on his right quadriceps tendon and that his start status for the 2021-22 NBA season is uncertain.

Also check out: Latest NBA News, Rumors and Updates

#3 Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis with the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks cannot count on the fact that Kristaps Porzingis will spend an entire season healthy with them and then stay fit for the NBA playoffs. He has played 100 games in the last three seasons combined and also not been reliable in the playoffs. The longest stretch of games he played in that span was 23 games.

The Mavericks did not make a splash in this offseason and have made only a few mediocre moves. Luka Doncic is heading into his fourth season in the league and could very well be an MVP candidate. If Kristaps Porzingis is not healthy for the majority of the season and postseason, the Mavericks are heading for another mediocre campaign.

Kristaps Porzingis on whether he worries he’s injury prone:“No, I’m not and I shouldn’t be. ... I truly believe with a good offseason, working on my movements and things like that, I’ll be healthy and I’ll be able to stay healthy for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/xwB8mYTBZt

— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) May 10, 2021

#4 Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson is coming off two consecutive season-ending injuries. He injured the ACL on his right knee during the 2019 NBA Finals and then he tore his right Achilles during his ACL rehab. He is now two years removed from NBA action and is projected to return around Thanksgiving or Christmas 2021.

Kevin Durant returned from an Achilles injury after 18 months and John Wall returned after 24 months. Even after their long haituses, they faced a bevy of injury problems and were often sidelined due to injury management.

We can expect the same from Klay Thompson, who will take weeks, maybe months, to adjust back to NBA-level action.

As much as we want him to step on the floor and immediately sweep us off our feet, Klay Thompson is returning after consecutive season-ending injuriesHe is not expected to return to his All-Star self right away & will likely pace himself at firsthttps://t.co/gILr47EvXj

— Kunal Sethi (@KunalSethiBBnBB) August 25, 2021

#5 Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers

As much as Joel Embiid looks like a beast, he is surprsingly injury-prone. He was drafted in 2014 but has played just two full seasons in his career till now. He did not play his first two seasons in the NBA due to a foot injury and didn't make his debut until October 26th, 2016. Many believe his injury last season cost him the MVP award as he was a favorite to win it prior to getting hurt. He eventually finished second in the MVP race behind Nikola Jokic.

Joel Embiid played through injury during the 2021 NBA playoffs as well and was visibly hurt from the torn meniscus. He will need to put up an entire season without getting hurt to make an impact in the playoffs. The 76ers can load manage and make him play less games but his health and fitness should be the utmost priority for the team.