NBA: Each team’s greatest comeback from injury in franchise history

Greatest injury comeback in Utah Jazz history: Adrian Dantley

Wrist ligaments

Adrian Dantley wasn’t an All-Star name until he joined the Utah Jazz in 1979-80. He made the first All-Star appearance of his career that year while winning the league’s scoring title behind a 30.7 points per game effort.

As one of the premier and most efficient scorers of his time, Dantley had a knack for scoring at volume, averaging 11.4 field goals made on 55.9 percent shooting from the floor.

In 1981-82, it was more of the same, sans a scoring title, as he averaged 30.3 points on 57 percent shooting from the floor.

During the 1982-83 season, Dantley missed an extended amount of time due to torn ligaments in his right shooting hand, nearly ending his career. He was averaging 30.7 points per contest and well on his way to another season of averaging 30 points per game before it was derailed by the injury.

Dantley managed to return in time for the start of the 1983-84 season and he picked up where he left off, taking home the second scoring title of his career with 30.6 points per game. He took home the Comeback Player of the Year award back when it existed, also producing 5.7 rebound and 3.9 assists per game.

He was a testament to staying focused on the goals ahead of you. He posted 49 games with at least 40 points during his time with Utah, posting 13 in 1981-82 and 10 in 1983-84 after his wrist injury.