When Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum hurt his Achilles tendon badly in the playoffs, everyone was worried. Achilles injuries are some of the worst for basketball players, as they need to be quick, move well, and jump high to play their best. A severe injury takes time to recover from and could extend months to years.
Players with this kind of injury often don’t return the same. Some return to playing, but many never return to being as good as they were before. This injury has changed the careers of many great NBA players, from the very best to other All-Stars.
NBA Superstars Whose Career Was Destroyed After Achilles Injury
5. Kevin Durant
Durant’s injury occurred during Game 5 of the 2019 finals. This was his first game back from a calf injury. But the season was full of misses and a slow build-back to dominance. Though he still put up elite numbers upon returns, he lost a step defensively and played fewer games per year. His ability remains high, but his durability becomes low.
4. DeMarcus Cousins
Cousins averaged 25 points and 13 rebounds per game for the Pelicans before his injury in January 2018. A year later, he signed a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors. Since then, Cousins has struggled to stay healthy, bounced between teams, and never returned to All-Star form.
3. Kobe Bryant
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Bryant’s injury forced him to end the 2012- 13 season and, essentially, his career as an elite scorer. Though he made a comeback, his production dipped significantly. He played just 107 more games before retiring in 2016 with a 19-point average on 37% shooting.
2. Wesley Matthews
Mathews returned shockingly fast after his injury in 2015, which occurred in the Mavericks’ season opener, just months after his tear. But his athleticism never fully returned. While George became a reliable role player, his days as a 15+ PPG scorer with strong defensive play ended with his damage.
1. Elton Brand
Brand suffered his Achilles tear during an offseason workout in 2007. Though he continued playing for several more years, he never averaged more than 15 points like before. He later admitted, “I didn’t have the same explosiveness I had.”
Also Read: Jayson Tatum Injury Update: When Will The Celtics Star Return To Action?
