It’s just as was thought, but not what anyone hoped. Initially, Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman was diagnosed with a left calf injury during their season opener against the Detroit Pistons. However, ESPN insider Shams Charania confirms that he’s actually sustained torn left Achilles.
Indiana Pacers C James Wiseman has suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, league sources tell ESPN. The team and Wiseman are working collaboratively to determine treatment options. pic.twitter.com/lP0So4aF97
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 24, 2024
Wiseman is “working collaboratively (with the Pacers) to determine treatment options,” Charania adds. However, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard has reported that “a player returning from a torn Achilles misses about one year of action.”
The 23-year-old could certainly return earlier than that prognosis. Still, it’s possible that his 2024-25 campaign has already ended.
Pacers’ Big Man Sustains Potential Season-Ending Injury
This is a cruel twist of fate for Wiseman.
The second overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Wiseman appeared to be heading towards the bust category early in his career. He was relatively productive during his time with the Golden State Warriors. Yet, he was raw and lacked physicality despite being 7-foot-0 and 240 pounds.
After being traded to Detroit, the Nashville native was meaner (in a good way) and sharper. This helped him land a two-year contract with Indiana in the offseason. As evidenced by Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle putting him the rotation, there was confidence he would be a solid contributor for the team.
Pacers defensive anchor Myles Turner believed that Wiseman would definitely help them in the rebounding department. To that point, the Pacers finished 2023-24 ranked 28th in rebounds per game.
What’s Next For James Wiseman?
Looking ahead, Wiseman may want to return before the season ends even if there isn’t much left of it when cleared.
Indiana has a team option on his contract next season and at a time when franchises are budgeting, he’ll look particularly expendable with such a significant injury. So, whether for the Pacers or another interested franchise, Wiseman may want to prove he’s still the same player. However, Wiseman could also choose to take his time recovering rather than rushing back. This could ensure that when he does return, he’ll be fully healthy.
The Pacers could also consider that the best option for them depending on what they think of Wiseman as a player. With him being on a minimum contract, it’s just going to take a comparative analysis. How many players would be better than him on a minimum contract?
