Can AI help in curbing increasing Achilles tendon injuries in the NBA?
Achilles tendon injuries
, the
NBA
is turning to artificial intelligence to help combat this alarming trend. The 2024-25 season saw a sharp spike, with seven players suffering Achilles injuries - the most in any season till date.
These career-threatening injuries have raised serious concerns across the league, prompting league officials to explore AI-driven solutions. But the bigger question is - Will AI really help? or it's just a ploy by the NBA to sidestep this serious problem.
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Tyrese Haliburton Achilles injury: What past NBA recoveries say about his return timeline
The NBA faced an unprecedented spike in Achilles injuries during the 2024-25 season, with seven confirmed cases - the highest in league history. During the regular season, Indiana Pacers forwards
James Wiseman
and
Isaiah Jackson
, New Orleans guard Dejounte Murray, and Miami's Dru Smith all suffered Achilles injuries. The playoffs saw even more high-profile setbacks, with Boston's Jayson Tatum, Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, and Indiana's
Tyrese Haliburton
joining the list.
The sharp rise in Achilles tendon injuries during the last NBA season has reignited debate over the league's demanding schedule, with some questioning whether the season is simply too long. Critics have pointed to the physical toll of the 82-game grind, followed by the intensity of the playoffs, as a potential factor behind the surge in injuries.
Live Events
ALSO READ:
Haliburton joins grim club of Achilles tendon injuries in NBA playoffs
However, NBA Commissioner
Adam Silver
defended the current format during ESPN's coverage of the NBA Draft, stating that there were zero Achilles injuries in the previous season and the league has already set a plan in motion to address this troubling issue.
"We had already convened a panel of experts before Tyrese's most recent Achilles rupture," Silver said on the telecast. 'We had seven this year. We had zero last year under the exact same circumstances. The most we've ever had in a season is four."
He also revealed that the league is leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze and understand the rise in Achilles injuries seen this season.
"I'm hopeful that by analysing more data and looking at patterns, this is one area where AI - which people say will transform many fields - can help. AI can analyse every game a player has played to see if it can identify patterns leading to an Achilles injury," Silver said.
HOW AI CAN HELP IN CURBING ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
By analyzing vast amounts of player data-including biomechanics, workload, and movement patterns - AI can identify early signs of strain or fatigue that may lead to injury.
Wearable sensors and smart video analysis tools provide real-time insights, enabling trainers to adjust workloads and correct risky movements. AI also assists in creating personalized recovery and prevention plans, reducing the risk of re-injury.
While AI can't prevent every injury, it offers teams powerful tools to better protect players and make proactive, data-driven decisions.
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