Which 5 NBA players have earned the most money while injured in the 2022-23 season?
Many NBA players have had trouble staying healthy in the 2022-23 season. Due to this, they've missed a lot of games and their teams have generally performed a lot worse than usual.
Interestingly, the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat are the two most-injured teams this season. It appears that the teams from Florida just can't stay healthy, which has greatly impacted their success.
This article will reveal five NBA players who have earned the most money while injured so far this season. Many players have made more than $10 million while being sidelined, which might be somewhat shocking.
These NBA players made the most money while injured
#1 - Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
Khris Middleton is a big part of the Milwaukee Bucks, but he's only appeared in 16 games so far this season. The NBA veteran has dealt with several injuries, including wrist and knee, and missed 40 games in total.
In 16 games, the forward has mostly come off the bench, averaging 13.4 points per game on 42.0% shooting. The Bucks will need a lot more out of him, but he has more than enough time to fully recover before the playoffs.
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Money made while injured: $18.9 million
#2 - Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns has played in only 21 games this season. After playing in all 82 games in the first three seasons of his professional career, the Minnesota Timberwolves center hasn't been able to stay healthy lately.
Basketball fans are still wondering how well he'll play alongside Rudy Gobert. Unfortunately, the two NBA players haven't had a chance to play together in many games due to Towns' calf injury.
Money made while injured: $14.9 million
#3 - Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls
Since joining the Chicago Bulls in the summer of 2021, Lonzo Ball has only played 35 games. The former second overall pick has dealt with knee problems for a while and hasn't appeared in a single game in the 2022-23 season.
The versatile guard has two more years left on his contract with the Bulls and will be paid nearly $20 million for his services this season. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear that he will return anytime soon.
Money made while injured: $13.3 million
#4 - Brandon Ingram, New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram is another former Laker who hasn't been able to stay healthy. The 6-foot-8 forward is one of the most gifted scorers in the league, yet has only played 23 games.
Due to Ingram's absence and the numerous injuries Zion Williamson has suffered, the New Orleans Pelicans have lost too many games so far this season. They had a hot start, but their injuries derailed them and pushed them down to the seventh spot in the West.
Money made while injured: $13.1 million
#5 - Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors have been without Steph Curry for 18 games in the 2022-23 season and the four-time NBA champion may not return very soon. Curry is one of the best NBA players, which is why his absence has negatively impacted the Dubs.
While the Warriors guard hasn't missed as many games as the other players on the list, he is the highest-paid player in the league. Due to this, he will most likely keep climbing up the list as he receives around $573,000 for each game.
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Money made while injured: $12.1 million
Next 5 players on the list: Kawhi Leonard ($10.9M), Devin Booker ($10.3M), Anthony Davis ($9.8M), Jonathan Isaac ($9.5M), Gordon Hayward ($9.3M).