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

Greatest injury comeback in Cleveland Cavaliers history: Channing Frye

Dilated cardiomyopathy

Channing Frye has a heartfelt story when it comes to his journey to winning an NBA title. He began his career with the New York Knicks as the eighth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. He bounced around a bit after two seasons with them, appearing with the Portland Trail Blazers before finding a consistent home with the Phoenix Suns.

Just when things were going well for him, he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition in which the heart becomes enlarged and can’t pump blood effectively. His condition forced him to miss the 2012-13 season with the Suns but he did return in 2013-14, with success.

The following season he signed a four-year, $32 million deal with the Orlando Magic, showing teams were still willing to take a risk despite his condition. Prior to the 2016 NBA Trade Deadline, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-player deal.

Frye thrived as a valuable role player with the Cavaliers, particularly in their run to the 2016 NBA title. As a member of the squad, he averaged 6.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game on 39.1 percent shooting from 3-point range.

Off the bench, he served as a sharpshooter who was ready when his number was called. He poured in a career-high 27 points on seven made 3-pointers in Game 3 of their 121-108 victory against the Atlanta Hawks back on May 6, 2016.

The journey has been tough for Frye, but he’s managed to find his niche and remain healthy on the court while doing so. He’s a testament to hard work paying off but also a blessing in being cautious on the path to a championship.