Boston Celtic Star’s Injury

Updated May 13th, 2025: Jason Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals against the New York Knicks. This situation raises concerns, as many NBA players have dealt with Achilles injuries. It’s important to look at how these past injuries have affected players upon their return to the court.

Updated 2019: This story originated on January 27, 2018, due to Demarcus Cousins’ torn Achilles. It was revisited on July 2nd when he signed with the Warriors, and again after Kevin Durant’s injury in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals.

Just over two minutes were left in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals when Kevin Durant’s career took a significant turn. After recently recovering from a calf injury, he made an awkward movement and fell to the floor. The team was understandably anxious about the MRI results, fearing it would confirm an Achilles tear.

So, when will Durant return to the game? That’s a tough question. Based on historical trends, it could be a while.

For instance, think about Demarcus Cousins. Back in January 2018, during a game with the New Orleans Pelicans, he landed awkwardly while chasing a ball and was diagnosed with an Achilles tear the very next day.

Cousins didn’t step back onto the court for a full year and, even after returning, hasn’t regained his prior performance levels.

And it’s understandable why these injuries can be so devastating. While there are no “good” injuries, Achilles tears are particularly severe. Basketball players are prone to various injuries, but a torn Achilles can be one of the worst.

We tend to know more about ACL tears or more frightening injuries like Gordon Hayward’s horrific ankle break in 2017. Interestingly, some players have shown quicker recovery rates from Achilles injuries in recent years. Still, many never truly recover, and some face premature retirements.

A 2013 medical study tracked 18 players with significant Achilles injuries over 23 years (1988-2011), revealing that seven never returned to the league. Players who did come back missed an average of 56 games, often experiencing a decline in performance during their first two seasons back. According to CBS Sports, those who resumed play since 1992 saw a drop in their three-point shooting percentages. There aren’t many stories that end positively in these scenarios.

That’s quite the uphill battle Durant faces.

Understanding Achilles Tendon Tears

The Achilles tendon, the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, connects calf muscles to heel bones. Dr. Kevin Stone, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, explained that this tendon absorbs force and enables push-offs while running. Achilles ruptures are typically tragic injuries seen in individuals between ages 40 and 60, but they can also occur in younger athletes, often due to poor landings or awkward movements.

To visualize the Achilles tendon, think of it as a rubber band. A grade 1 or 2 strain might mean swelling or partial tears, where the muscle connections remain intact. But a grade 3 tear signifies that the tendon has fully ruptured, resulting in a significant loss of function. An MRI can determine the severity of Durant’s injury.

Recovery generally takes between 6 to 12 months. If you’re interested in the surgical procedures related to this injury, further information can provide more insights.

High-Profile Achilles Injuries in the NBA

When examining player statistics before and after Achilles injuries, it’s often problematic to compare directly. Factors like other injuries, aging, and other limitations complicate the analysis.

It’s often more useful to focus on prominent NBA players rather than lesser-known benchwarmers in these discussions.

Other NBA players who faced Achilles issues since 2000 include Darrell Arthur, Jonas Jerebko, Dan Dickau, Jeff Taylor, and Christian Rettner.

Here’s a look at some notable players who suffered Achilles tears in the last two decades and how they fared afterward.

Demarcus Cousins

Injury Occurred: January 2018, at age 27.

Before the Injury: Cousins was on track for his fifth straight All-Star appearance, averaging 25 points and 13 rebounds per game.

After the Injury: Cousins reportedly turned down a two-year, $40 million offer from the Pelicans, eventually signing a one-year, $5.3 million deal with the Warriors. He returned in mid-January, averaging 16 points and eight rebounds in under 26 minutes per game and made a brief appearance during the NBA Finals after suffering a quad injury earlier.

Rudy Gay

Injury Occurred: January 2017, at age 30.

Before the Injury: Gay was averaging 19 points per game for the Kings.

After the Injury: Post-injury, Gay’s shooting efficiency remained similar, though his minutes decreased with San Antonio. However, he rebounded in the following season, averaging 14 points and 7 rebounds with impressive scoring efficiency, indicating possible improvements in Achilles rehabilitation compared to earlier years.

Wes Matthews

Injury Occurred: March 2015, at age 28.

Before the Injury: Matthews had a significant impact on the court, averaging over 15 points for Portland.

After the Injury: Although he made a strong comeback with the Mavericks, he never quite regained his previous level of performance, with his shooting stats lagging behind his career averages.

Brandon Jennings

Injury Occurred: January 2015, at age 26.

Before the Injury: Jennings played primarily as a backup point guard with notable potential.

After the Injury: His two subsequent stints in the league were unremarkable, and he struggled to replicate his prior success.

Kobe Bryant

Injury Occurred: March 2013, at age 34.

Before the Injury: Though past his prime, Bryant was still highly effective, averaging 27.3 points that season.

After the Injury: Following his recovery, Bryant played limited games in subsequent seasons before retiring, showing a notable decline in scoring efficiency.

Anderson Varejao

Injury Occurred: December 2014, at age 32.

Before the Injury: Varejao had a decent run before suffering a torn Achilles.

After the Injury: His late career was marred by the impact of the injury, limiting his game time significantly.

Chauncey Billups

Injury Occurred: February 2012, at age 35.

Before the Injury: Billups had a solid season prior to his Achilles injury.

After the Injury: Sadly, he barely played in subsequent seasons before retiring.

Mehmet Okur

Injury Occurred: April 2010, during the playoffs at age 30.

Before the Injury: Okur was a steady contributor for the Jazz that season.

After the Injury: His career fizzled out as he struggled to make an impact post-injury.

Elton Brand

Injury Occurred: August 2007, during an offseason workout at age 28.

Before the Injury: Brand was averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds, showing great potential.

After the Injury: Following his recovery, Brand could not regain his previous explosiveness, which altered his playing style significantly.

Voshon Leonard

Injury Occurred: December 2004, at age 30.

Before the Injury: Leonard was having a solid season before his Achilles tear.

After the Injury: After the injury, his playing time was severely limited, affecting his stats.

Maurice Taylor

Injury Occurred: September 2001, during an offseason workout at age 24.

Before the Injury: Taylor was an exciting young talent with promise.

After the Injury: Unfortunately, he could never recapture his earlier success.

Lafonso Ellis

Injury Occurred: April 26, 1997.

Before the Injury: Ellis was averaging impressive stats until the injury.

After the Injury: Though he played on, his performance significantly dropped thereafter.

Dominique Wilkins

Injury Occurred: January 1992, at age 32.

Before the Injury: Wilkins was one of the league’s top scorers during his prime.

After the Injury: Remarkably, he still managed impressive stats after recovery, although he eventually declined.

Expected Outcomes of Achilles Injuries

It’s important to consider that each injury is unique, and the impact varies from player to player. Generally, though,

Achilles injuries tend to be detrimental for most athletes involved. Here’s a summary of common outcomes:

• Players often experience significant career setbacks, with many seeing their playing time reduced to just a couple of seasons. Given that Durant will turn 31 next season, this factor is particularly pertinent.
• Players younger than 30 might recover more effectively, although it may not be immediate.
• Many who suffer from Achilles injuries rarely return to their peak performance, or at least not for any lengthy period.
• Recent trends suggest that recovery times are improving to around 6-8 months instead of the longer durations that were once expected. If Durant experiences a complete rupture, this timeline could see him back by mid-next season, albeit possibly through a cautious approach.

I sincerely hope Durant beats the odds and finds his way back to form—just as I wish for any player facing an Achilles injury. The reality is, however, it’s a challenging path ahead. Achilles injuries are notoriously difficult to navigate.