7 Famous NBA players that used Knee Scooters

7 Famous NBA players that used Knee Scooters

According to a report by ESPN, the most common injuries in the NBA are ankle sprains, knee sprains, hamstring strains, and lower back strains.

 

Look, if it's good enough for LeBron James from the LA Lakers - it should be good enough for. 

 

1. LA Laker's Lebron James

NBA superstar and cultoral icon, LeBron James was nursing a right foot tendon injury at the start of 2023 season. 

With an orthopedic boot and a knee scooter he still made sure to show up at Lakers games to cheer on his teammates. He even got a temporary nicname which garnered tons of memes online - "Lescooter" or "Scooter Bron".


Check him scootin'

 

@not_so_rude Scooter Bron at it again #foryou #fyp #fypシ #fypシ゚viral #lebronjames #trending #viral_video ♬ Oh No (Instrumental) - Kreepa

 

 

2. Dallas Maverick's Tim Hardway Jr. 

 

Mavs forward, Tim Hardaway Jr suffered the injury early in 2023 which required a surgery a week. The 30-year-old guard soon replaced his walking boot for a knee scooter and began rehab. He is fully recovered today and is a tremendous support to Mavs this season. 

 

3. Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren

One of the most exciting new player in the NBA league - Chet Holmgren, wasn't spared from injuries. 
Holmgren suffered from Lisfranc injury which affects ligaments and even bones of the midfoot. After consultations with doctors and agents, Chet decided for a surgery. 

Even on a day of the surgery, he was seen on a knee scooter talking on the phone. 

After the surgery he immediately returned to the OKC facility and continue with his training. You do what you can!
chet holmgreen knee scooter

 

4. Retired NBA Legends/Pundits - Charles Barkley & Kenny Smith

 

Although Charles Barkley and Kevin Smith were playing a trick on Ron Hunter, a George State NCAA coach who did his job on a knee scooter, they demonstrated how easy it was to get around on this mobility device. 

charles barkley knee scooter

ron hunter knee scooter

 

5. Boston Celtics - Aaron Nesmith 

Now a player for the Celtics, Aaron Nesmith isn't a stranger to walking boots and knee scooters either. Back when he was playing for a college basketball team Vanderbilt (coached by Jerry Stackhouse), Aaron had to resort to the knee scooters after a right foot injury. 

He has fully recovered and contributes to Boston Celtics. 

aaron nesmith knee scooter

 

6. Brooklyn Nets - Kevin Durant

In 2019, Kevin ruptured right Achilles tendon which set him back on the road to recovery. About a week later he was spotted on a knee scooter rolling around the neighborhood in SoHo in New York.

 

 

 

7. Toronto Raptors - Jared Sullinger

 

Last but not least, Raptors' ex-player Jared Sullinger now only used a scooter, he actually enjoys riding them. 

“I just like to scoot,” Sullinger, the injured Raptors forward, said. “I like to scoot and annoy people. I do what I do.”

Jared's gnarly injury required a surgery and installation of a screw into the fifth metatarsal on his left foot. 

After a short stint on crutches, he moved to a knee scooter and found it amazing. Not only it was easier for him to get around, but it was a great resting spot to elevate his leg when sitting down. 

jarod sullinger knee scooter

“In my mind, it was a Rolls-Royce,” Sullinger said. “In some of my teammates’ minds, it was a Honda Civic. I don’t really know the make of it. But it was just right for me.”

 


Why NBA Players Turn to Knee Scooters for Recovery

 In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, an athlete's health and physical condition are paramount. NBA players, like all athletes, occasionally face injuries that can take them off the court.

During recovery, especially from lower limb injuries, mobility without strain is crucial. This is where knee scooters come into play, offering a unique blend of mobility, safety, and speedier recovery.

The Advantages of Knee Scooters for NBA Players:

  • Enhanced Mobility: Knee scooters allow for greater freedom of movement compared to crutches. For athletes, maintaining mobility without stressing the injured area is essential.
  • Reduced Physical Strain: Unlike crutches, knee scooters don't require upper body strength and reduce the risk of underarm pain or strain on the arms and shoulders.
  • Speedier Recovery: By allowing injured NBA players to stay active in a controlled manner, knee scooters can contribute to a faster recovery. Keeping the body moving increases blood flow, which is vital for healing.
  • Preventing Further Injury: The stability that a knee scooter provides is crucial for avoiding falls or additional strain, which can be a risk with crutches, especially for tall athletes accustomed to a high center of gravity.
  • Maintaining Fitness Levels: While an injured leg is out of commission, a knee scooter enables athletes to continue upper body workouts and some form of physical activity, crucial for maintaining fitness levels.
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