NBA commissioner Adam Silver says he is looking into a serious issue.
Silver spoke with ESPN host Malika Andrews ahead of the first round of the NBA Draft, which took place on Wednesday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. The commissioner said that the league has “convened a panel of experts” to look into why there were so many players who tore their Achilles’ tendon this season.
The issue received renewed attention after Tyrese Haliburton tore his Achilles’ tendon while playing in the NBA Finals against Oklahoma City. Haliburton was playing through a calf strain and would have sat out to rest had it been any other situation. Since the championship was on the line, Haliburton decided to play through the injury and has no regrets about doing so.
But the Achilles injuries have been a serious issue — seven players tore their Achilles’ tendon in the season that just concluded compared to zero the season before.
Silver says they are not yet sure what has led to the increase in Achilles injuries, which often cause a player to miss an entire season. Silver noted that the majority of such injuries occur before the All-Star break, which he suggests indicates it’s not the amount of games players are playing that lead to the issue.
Adam Silver on achilles ruptures:
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 25, 2025
"7 this year…0 last year"
"We've already convened panel of experts"
"Some experts think it may have more to do with youth ball…Offseason…"
"AI…ingest all video to see if some pattern"
"We're taking it v seriously"pic.twitter.com/Xwl4ZEkFTx
“Sometimes in the summer, they’re working harder than when they are in the season,” Silver said, suggesting that training from players could have a role in the rise in Achilles injuries. He also said that the amount of time players play growing up could be a factor as well.
Silver noted that former All-Star Andre Iguodala, who works with the players’ union, has recommended players take more time off during the offseason to let their bodies rest.
Another issue could be players taxing themselves at early ages.
“Some experts think it may have more to do with youth basketball. It may have as much with what they do from 10-19. Increasingly, they’re single-sport athletes,” Silver said.
The league is also using artificial intelligence to review videos to see if they can figure out any potential causes or links to Achilles injuries.
“We’re taking it very seriously,” Silver declared.
In addition to Haliburton, Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, Dejounte Murray, Dru Smith, James Wiseman, Isaiah Jackson and Thanasis Antetokounmpo suffered torn Achilles tendon injuries in the most recent season (Antetokounmpo’s was suffered in May 2024). Three of the players are members of the Indiana Pacers.
