Kentucky's horrid injury luck has not been limited to the current roster

In a recent postgame interview, Mark Pope said, “If you’re going to beat us, you’re going to have to kill us.” Well, it looks like teams are taking that hyperbole literally. Kentucky has been absolutely decimated with injuries this year.

I know, I know. Competitors aren’t supposed to use that as an excuse for their shortcomings, but that only sentiment only applies for pep talks and maybe one or two minor ailments with a backup. When multiple starters miss multiple weeks, it is no longer an excuse but a legit reason for struggles.

The crazier part, albeit less devastating to the soul, is that Kentucky’s injury curse has not been limited to the current roster. Former Wildcats in the NBA have also been through the ringer when it comes to missed time due to injuries.

There are 27 former Kentucky players on a standard NBA contract right now (plus four more on a two-way deal), and over half of them, 14 to be exact, have missed at least 10 games this season with an injury.

BBNBA Injuries This Season

Brandon Boston Jr. – Ankle stress reaction – Out for five weeks and counting
Anthony Davis – Adductor strain – Out since 1/30
Rob Dillingham – Ankle sprain – Missed 12 games
De’Aaaron Fox – Finger tendon surgery – Out for rest of season
Isaiah Jackson – Torn Achilles – Out for entire season
Trey Lyles – Calf Strain – Missed 10 games, Currently out with lower back injury
Tyrese Maxey – Finger and back strains – Out indefinitely
Malik Monk – Groin and toe injuries – Missed 10 games
Immanuel Quickley – Elbow ligament tear – Missed over 40 games
Julius Randle – Adductor strain – Missed 13 games
Nick Richards – Ankle sprain – Missed 13 games
Reed Sheppard – Thumb fracture – Out at least four weeks
Jarred Vanderbilt – Foot strain – Missed first 42 games of season
PJ Washington – Ankle sprain – Missed 20+ games

The curse is real

KSR’s videographer Steven Peake put together a soul-crushing montage of the horrible injury luck Kentucky has had over the last few years. Since the release of that video, Jaxson Robinson and Lamont Butler have been re-injured, Otega Oweh and Collin Chandler have hit the hardwood covered in their own blood, and now there is scuttlebutt Travis Perry could miss time with an injury to his shooting hand.

At this point, it is easier to count the number of players currently available, both on the current roster and the NBA, rather than the ones who aren’t. Hopefully, the guys who can play pull their teammates along as far as possible. Then, in the offseason, Big Blue Nation may want to consider sacrificing a first born child or two to their local witch doctor in hopes of better injury luck in the future.