For the second time in recent weeks, an NBA star has suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, collapsing on the court.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard sustained this injury on April 27 in the first round against the Indiana Pacers. Just two weeks later, on May 12 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum suffered a similar blow. Clearly in pain and unable to bear weight on his injured right leg, a visibly distressed Tatum was taken to the locker room in a wheelchair for examination, likely confirming his own suspicion.
What is an Achilles Tear?
Achilles tears have distinct characteristics. The injury often begins with a sudden `pop` sound, prompting the athlete to instinctively look around to see what happened. This is followed by the immediate realization of the severity – the inability to walk normally. Attempting to push off will result in the injured leg being awkwardly lifted, as the connection needed for propulsion is broken.
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, facilitating movement from simple walking to powerful jumps and pushes. NBA athletes place immense demands on these tendons through repetitive jumping, running, and explosive pivots. These actions create high loads, cycling between tension/elongation and rapid contraction, which can lead to acute inflammation or gradual structural changes in the tendon.
Many Achilles ruptures occur during movements similar to Tatum`s: stepping back into a lunge, stretching the rear leg`s Achilles, and then pushing off. The tendon fails at the point where it transitions from maximum stretch to rapid shortening.
The Surgical and Recovery Process
For elite athletes, surgical repair of the torn tendon is the standard treatment. While Tatum`s surgery less than 24 hours after injury seemed quick to some, this timing is actually optimal. A 2020 study in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy showed that rapid repair within 48 hours improves biomechanical and tissue outcomes. Although not always feasible, timely surgery is generally preferred in sports medicine to promote optimal Achilles healing.
Post-surgery, Tatum will initially be in a cast to protect the repair. Once removed, controlled early motion will begin. While ankle mobility is important, protecting the repair from overstretching is crucial. The Achilles` function relies on its elasticity; stretching the repaired tendon too much is like permanently stretching out a rubber band.
The recovery process gradually incorporates light strengthening and increasing weight-bearing, progressing from a cast or boot to a shoe. Once the repair is sufficiently healed, more aggressive range of motion, followed by ground running, jumping, agility, explosive movements, and eventually basketball activities, begins. Return to play for athletes typically ranges from six months to a year, with NBA players averaging around 10 months, depending on individual healing, fitness return, and the season schedule.
Mental Challenges
Crucially, the athlete`s mental recovery is also vital. An Achilles rupture is so sudden and debilitating that athletes often question if they`ll ever return to their previous level, especially early on. Even after returning to competition, reaching pre-injury performance levels can take time. Regaining both physical power and confidence in the leg often requires consistent play. Most athletes report not fully regaining their explosiveness until their second season back.
Tatum`s Outlook and Support
At 27, Tatum benefits from youth and a relatively sparse injury history, which bodes well for his recovery. In addition to the timely surgery, he was treated by a top foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Martin O`Malley, associated with Hospital for Special Surgery and the Brooklyn Nets. Dr. O`Malley notably performed Kevin Durant`s Achilles repair in 2019. Durant`s successful return to elite play should serve as a significant source of inspiration for Tatum during his demanding rehabilitation.
Notable Player Comparisons
Here are some notable examples of NBA players who returned from Achilles tears:
Kobe Bryant:
One of the most famous cases. Bryant tore his Achilles at age 34 before the 2013 playoffs. He had surgery in April and returned the following December, a relatively quick return but lacking his former explosiveness. His next season was cut short by a shoulder injury, and the season after was his last.
Klay Thompson:
His situation is unique – he tore his right Achilles while already recovering from a torn ACL (2019). After missing the 2019-20 season due to the ACL, he tore his Achilles nearing his return for 2020-21. He finally returned midway through the 2021-22 season at age 31, playing fewer minutes and with reduced shooting efficiency initially. However, he bounced back the next year, averaging more minutes and achieving career bests in 3-pointers and rebounds.
Kevin Durant:
Tore his right Achilles during the 2019 NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors. Notably, he signed a four-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets during his recovery, signaling confidence in his elite return. Durant missed the 2019-20 season but returned the next year looking strong, though he played only 35 games due mostly to other injuries. When on the court, he performed like vintage Durant. The 18-month gap between injury and return likely aided his performance metrics. Durant`s case supports the possibility of NBA players over 30 returning to pre-injury levels after an Achilles rupture.