National Basketball Association

Pictures of Pelicans History: Ryan Anderson's Horrific Injury

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Pelican Debrief’s “Pictures of Pelicans History” is a series looking at the best and worst moments in the New Orleans Pelicans/Hornets history.

Pelicans’ forward Ryan Anderson suffered a near life-threatening injury in 2014, which highlighted a devastating time for New Orleans basketball.

Ryan Anderson has become one of the most likable players in New Orleans basketball history.

Whether it was the effort he gave on the court or the love for the fans he showed off the court. Ryan is a fan’s favorite kind of player. He’s kind, caring and works as hard as he can to help his team win. He turned into a New Orleans fan favorite.

It’s what made the 2013-2014 season so hard to watch.

Ryan Anderson’s girlfriend took her own life during the 2013 offseason, an unspeakable tragedy. It took time for Ryan to gain confidence to rejoin the team and return to the court. Nobody stood by his side stronger than Head Coach Monty Williams. Eventually, Anderson came back to the one place he found comfort: The basketball court.

He had a great start to the 2013-2014 season, averaging 19.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. He found his distraction in his play. Fans cheered him on each night with pride in their talented big.

Then came January 3rd.

In the fourth quarter, Anderson and Celtics forward Gerald Wallace collided on an inbound play. Ryan was looking towards the inbounder, unaware of Wallace’s incoming presence. The collision hit Anderson awkwardly in the neck. Ryan laid on the ground in pain for minutes. He attempted to re-adjust himself multiple times, clearly uncomfortable and unable to get up.

For fans, it was more than just painful to watch. Once the stretcher was brought out for Anderson, the worse could only be feared. Ryan had some of the most difficult months in his life trying to find the energy to return to basketball. Now, he was faced with an injury that could have ended his career and his one true escape.

New Orleans was heartbroken. Witnessing not just a team player, but a beloved star go down in such painful ways both mental and physical. This injury hit home so hard because of what he meant to the New Orleans franchise.

The injury surpasses basketball in it’s painful nature. Ryan Anderson dealt with losing two of the things he cared for most in a matter of six months. Accidents can happen to any NBA player. For it to happen to one of the nicest and caring guys in the league at the worst time of his life was excruciating. The injury became so painful because it could have meant the end of Anderson’s basketball career.

Eventually, Ryan Anderson returned to the court next season. Anderson recovered from his herniated cervical disc triumphantly and continued his NBA career. Ryan now plays for the Houston Rockets, but his effect on the New Orleans franchise can not be stated enough. He gave everything when he was on the floor. It’s why that injury becomes so devastating in the memory of Pelicans fans.

Ryan Anderson will always be one of the best off-the court players in franchise history. His kind heart and spirit is not forgotten. It’s why his January 2014 injury goes down as one of the worst moments for New Orleans. It will always be a blessing to basketball fans across the globe to watch Ryan play basketball to his fullest. To the man who always gave 100% on the floor for his Pelicans:

Thank You Ryan Anderson.