Denny Hamlin, the accomplished NASCAR Cup Series race car driver, has disclosed surprising details about his injuries sustained not on the race track, but during recreational basketball. During an interview earlier this year, Hamlin opened up about severe setbacks caused by playing basketball in a league he organizes at home, highlighting how Denny Hamlin basketball injuries have affected his life beyond racing.
Unexpected Injuries in a Homegrown Basketball League
Although Denny Hamlin’s career spans over two decades filled with demanding physical challenges, his most serious injuries haven’t all come from behind the wheel. Instead, two major setbacks—torn anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs)—occurred while playing basketball in his basement court. Hamlin, a veteran with Joe Gibbs Racing, discussed sports injuries on the Daily Social Hour Podcast, detailing both his spine fracture from racing and these unexpected basketball wounds. He revealed that he hosts a league comprised of seven teams, with a new season scheduled to begin soon, bringing together fellow enthusiasts on his own court.
Hamlin explained,
“I love playing recreational basketball. So, I have actually a league that I run out of my house. I have an indoor basketball court down in my basement. We have seven teams. We do a draft every year. We actually start our season this Thursday. But I tore both ACLs. One in 2010, one in 2014.”
– Denny Hamlin, Race Car Driver
Personal Reflections on Basketball Skill and the Toll of Injuries
Hamlin has always maintained a high level of physical fitness, navigating race-induced injuries through medical care and personal discipline. Despite his competitive drive, he openly admits that his basketball skills are average for his age group, and that his ability has changed over time, especially after suffering from multiple injuries. Now, his playing style has shifted to outside shooting rather than more physical play, reflecting a cautious approach following his ACL tears.
“I’m terrible. I mean, when I say I’m terrible, I’m average for a mid-40 year old guy who likes to play wreck ball. But, you know, in our draft, I’m a fourthrounder. I used to be quite a bit higher, but all the injuries and getting older, I’m not as good as I used to. I’m an outside shooter now.”
– Denny Hamlin, Race Car Driver
Relationship with Michael Jordan and On-Court Dreams
At the intersection of basketball and motorsports, Hamlin shares a noteworthy partnership with NBA legend Michael Jordan; together, they co-own 23XI Racing. Their bond leads many to wonder if they’ve played basketball together, but Hamlin clarified that, although he once attended a camp in Charlotte where Jordan famously dunked for an audience, they have never actually faced off on the court. Jordan’s interest, according to Hamlin, has since moved deeper into racing and team ownership.
“I went to a camp of his in Charlotte once. It might have been one of those moments where the crowd asked him if he could still dunk and he turned around and he did. I went to a camp but never played basketball with him.”
– Denny Hamlin, Race Car Driver
What the Future Holds for Hamlin and 23XI Racing
Currently, Hamlin and Jordan are navigating more than injuries and friendly ambitions—they are key figures in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit trial against NASCAR. The results of this legal battle will not only affect their stake in the sport, but also influence the future path of 23XI Racing. As Hamlin recovers from his basketball setbacks and focuses on both the racetrack and legal issues, the outcome of these events will define the next stage in his storied career.
