Pacers backup center James Wiseman sustained a torn left Achilles tendon in Wednesday’s season opener vs. Detroit, reports Shams Charania of ESPN (via Twitter).
According to Charania, Wiseman and the team are working together to evaluate treatment options. Wiseman underwent an MRI on Thursday which confirmed the injury, according to a press release from the Pacers.
Wiseman suffered the injury in the first quarter while backpedaling after a missed three-point attempt (YouTube link via ESPN). He glanced behind him as though someone had kicked his leg, but there was no contact, a common sign of an Achilles injury.
It’s a devastating blow for the former No. 2 overall pick, who signed a two-year, minimum-salary deal with Indiana as a free agent over the summer. While Wiseman’s $2.2MM salary for 2024/25 is currently only partially guaranteed for $500K, it will likely be fully guaranteed due to the injury, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link). The Pacers hold a team option on Wiseman’s contract for ’25/26.
Wiseman had played well in preseason, Marks notes, averaging 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in 12.8 minutes. The 23-year-old big man seemed to be ahead of fourth-year center Isaiah Jackson on the depth chart, and had six points in four minutes on Wednesday prior to the injury.
Wiseman has dealt with several injuries in his young career, including missing the entire ’21/22 season with a knee injury. Through four seasons, he was limited to just 148 games, and now will likely be out until at least next fall after tearing his Achilles.
The Pacers, who have an open roster spot, have a few different options for replacing Wiseman’s minutes. Jackson is the other primary center off the bench, but they could also go small, with forwards Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker and Enrique Freeman all receiving playing time yesterday.
Sheeesh. This kid can’t catch a break. Maybe try a different career?
Tough break. At the very least, he can use the next 12 months to study and learn the non-physical aspects of the game – he’s always had incredible physical ability, but too often looked lost on the court.
Hard to believe he’s only 23.
Wow that really sucks for both him and the team. Pacers are one of the teams I was excited to watch this year. They’ve built a good squad that is fun to watch.
Horrible. Feel so bad for the kid. But knowing him he will work hard and keep the dream going. Hope he gets another chance in 26.
Still only 23 and big men generally mature slowly, he might still have a career in this league but who knows. Crazy to think GSW could have had Lamelo or Tyrese instead of Wiseman.
Attention Davey. Teaching moment here. All this in love my friend. Take it for what you will.
This is narcissism 101. Your comment is similar to when the guy attends a funeral over a friend’s tragic lost son and you would say,
“Sad news. Good thing it wasn’t our son.”
Get it?
Now is not the time to mention that you’re thinking the Warriors could have drafted someone else instead of Wiseman and fared much better. The focus here is on the horrible news of James’ injury. It’s a time for empathy and recognition of his difficult situation and perhaps a positive note that maybe he can work hard and come back.
Many give you crap. I’m your pal, I’m going to explain why.
I wouldnt say “narcissism 101”, now I look at it its more “not in great taste”. Its not like I didnt give a take about the injury first. I did not wish him bad. I said he might still have a future in this league (which, after multiple serious injuries means his entire career is in peril). But I see your overall point. Thanks for the tone policing.
Probably not the place to do that kind of thing but hell why not? I think you’re a good dude and you’re always nice to me. See something say something LOL just kidding. My opinions no better than yours or the next guy’s.
Really was looking forward to him reestablishing his value and his career again. Hope he recovers asap.
Evaluating treatment options? It’s a torn tendon. Surgery, rest, and physical therapy is the only way to go. The tensions has to be reattached and then needs time to heal and strengthen. Sadly, Wiseman is done for the season.
But because he’s Young he can recover to something like 90% of his Mobility from before?
Perhaps as a big man, who we know aren’t fast or agile to begin with, this won’t even negatively affect his game two years from tonight? He can still come back and be…, well, James Wiseman !!
He can continue to grow mentally, mature, learn the game, and be a valuable NBA player if he’s fortunate.
On a positive note we do know he has a good shooting stroke. Watch him 5 years from now be a key player on a great team, and still be only 28 years old with lots of earnings potential in front of him.