20 Iconic Athletes That Were Unfortunately Made of Glass

Maurice Stokes

Image Source: NBA Photo Library/Getty Images

Stokes appeared on track to becoming one of the all-time greats. The former Cincinnati Royals No. 2 overall draft pick was named Rookie of the Year after averaging 16.3 rebounds per game in his inaugural year. During his short stint in the league (1955-1958), Stokes hauled in more rebounds than any player (3,492). He also recorded the second-most assists behind only Bob Cousy (1,583).

Stokes’ career was cut short when he suffered a fall on the court during a game in 1958. Stokes struck his head on the hardwood, and complained about feeling ill a few days later. He later suffered a seizure leaving him fully paralyzed from the neck down. There’s no telling the kind of player Stokes could have become had it not been for his tragic accident.