Meh, sports always carry a risk of injury; basketball is not that bad as there's not so much contact in general. I had my fair share of jammed fingers and a few ankle sprains during my ten year's of playing, and it also tends to wear your knees out, but in general, it's not too bad. I found athletics (track&field) much worse to be honest, especially on joints and muscles.
George's injury happened because the stanchion was too close, Ware's one was a freak accident, very uncommon, so bad luck more than anything else. Horrible to watch though!