NBA Records Eight Achilles Injuries Among Stars During 2024-25 Season

The 2024-25 NBA season has seen an unprecedented surge in Achilles tendon injuries, with eight players, including stars Damian Lillard, Jayson Tatum, and Tyrese Haliburton, suffering tears. Medical experts attribute this spike to overuse, increased minutes during a compressed playoff schedule, and the faster pace of the modern NBA, which demands more dynamic and explosive movements. Physical therapist Karin Gravare Silbernagel and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nirav Pandya emphasize that players are accumulating more 'mileage' from a young age, leading to greater wear on tendons and ligaments. Commentators like Colin Cowherd and Jay Williams suggest that the league's accelerated pace and length of the season contribute significantly to these injuries, with Cowherd advocating for a shortened playoff schedule to reduce player fatigue. The Indiana Pacers, known for their fast-paced style, have been particularly affected, with three players suffering Achilles injuries this season. This growing trend has sparked broader discussions on how the NBA can better protect its athletes from such career-threatening injuries.