List Of NBA Players With Achilles Injury In 2024-25 Season
Achilles injuries are among the most feared setbacks for professional athletes, and in the NBA, their prevalence appears to be growing.
The 2024-25 season brought an alarming spike in occurrences, impacting several notable stars and leaving fans and teams concerned about this troubling trend.
The Achilles tendon, integral to movement and explosiveness, bears enormous stress on the court.
With the pace of the modern NBA faster than ever, coupled with extended postseason runs and the rigor of international play, players are pushing their bodies to the limit.
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This extensive demand seems to contribute to the rising cases, with the injury manifesting across multiple teams this past season.
The 2024-25 campaign saw several key players falling victim to Achilles injuries, which disrupted not only their seasons but in some cases, their teams’ championship aspirations.
The loss of these stars highlighted the injury’s devastating consequences, as teams scramble to adjust while fans anxiously await updates on recovery timelines.
For some, these injuries happened late in the season, raising doubts about their availability for the next, while others faced the arduous challenge of reclaiming their pre-injury form.
Should the season’s scheduling or player workloads be reevaluated?
Could advancements in medical technology and training counterbalance the risks?
The Achilles injuries during the 2024-25 season remind everyone of the fragility of athletic greatness and the resilience it takes to bounce back.
Take a look below at a List Of NBA Players With Achilles Injury In 2024-25 Season.
Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers’ star guard, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred in the first quarter as Haliburton attempted to drive to the basket, collapsing without contact. This devastating setback not only ended his remarkable postseason run but also casts doubt on his availability for the 2025-26 season.
Haliburton had been playing through a strained right calf sustained earlier in the series, demonstrating his determination to help his team in their championship pursuit. Despite the injury, he had been a standout performer throughout the playoffs, delivering clutch moments and setting a franchise record for assists in a single postseason.
The loss of Haliburton was a significant blow to the Pacers, who ultimately fell to the Thunder in Game 7. His absence highlighted the challenges of overcoming such a critical injury during a pivotal game.
2. Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ star forward, suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks on May 12, 2025. The injury occurred late in the game as Tatum moved for a loose ball, collapsing in pain without contact. He was immediately taken off the court and underwent surgery the following day.
This devastating injury not only ended Tatum’s postseason but also casts doubt on his availability for the 2025-26 season. Tatum had been leading the Celtics in points, rebounds, and assists during the playoffs, showcasing one of the best performances of his career before the injury.
The Celtics now face significant challenges, both on the court and in managing their roster and finances, as they navigate the aftermath of losing their franchise cornerstone.
3. Damian Lillard | Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks’ star guard, suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during the first quarter of Game 4 in the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers on April 27. The injury occurred shortly after Lillard had made a remarkable return to the court following a battle with deep vein thrombosis in his calf earlier in the season.
Lillard underwent successful surgery on May 2, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, with consultation from the Bucks’ orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Carole Vetter. The injury and subsequent recovery process are expected to significantly impact the Bucks’ plans moving forward.
Despite the setback, Lillard’s determination to return to the court remains strong, as he continues his journey toward recovery.
4. Dejounte Murray | New Orleans Pelicans
Dejounte Murray, the New Orleans Pelicans’ standout guard, suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during a game against the Boston Celtics on January 31, 2025. The non-contact injury occurred as Murray chased a missed shot, prompting immediate concern. An MRI later confirmed the severity of the injury.
Murray underwent successful surgery on February 5, performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, NC. This marks the second major leg injury of his career, following a torn ACL in 2018. At the time of the injury, Murray was averaging 17.5 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game in his first season with the Pelicans.
The injury is a significant setback for both Murray and the Pelicans, who have faced numerous challenges this season due to injuries across their roster.
5. James Wiseman | Indiana Pacers
James Wiseman, the Indiana Pacers’ center, suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during the season opener against the Detroit Pistons on October 23, 2024. The injury occurred late in the first quarter as Wiseman attempted to transition back on defense after a three-point attempt. He was immediately helped off the court and later underwent surgery performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley in New York.
This marked a significant setback for Wiseman, who had joined the Pacers in the offseason on a two-year deal, aiming to develop further under the team’s guidance. At the time of the injury, he had scored six points in just four minutes of play.
The Pacers now face challenges in addressing their depth at the center position, as Wiseman’s recovery is expected to take several months.
6. Isaiah Jackson | Indiana Pacers
Isaiah Jackson, the Indiana Pacers’ forward, suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 1, 2024. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter as Jackson landed awkwardly after contesting a jump shot. He was immediately helped off the court and later underwent surgery to repair the tendon.
At the time of the injury, Jackson was averaging 7.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, playing a key role as a backup center. This marked a significant blow to the Pacers, who were already dealing with the loss of James Wiseman to a similar Achilles injury earlier in the season.
Jackson’s recovery is expected to take several months, leaving the Pacers with limited options at the center position.
7. Dru Smith | Miami Heat
Dru Smith, a guard for the Miami Heat, suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon during a game against the Brooklyn Nets on December 23, 2024. The injury occurred in the second quarter as Smith lost the ball and fell to the court in visible pain. This marked another significant setback in his career, following previous season-ending injuries, including a torn ACL in 2023.
At the time of the injury, Smith was enjoying the best season of his career, averaging 6.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. He was on a two-way contract and was reportedly close to earning a standard NBA deal.
The Heat have expressed deep respect for Smith’s resilience and determination, as he begins another challenging recovery process.
