How NBA rookies are training smarter to avoid injuries and build longevity

Yahoo

11-07-2025

Every year the NBA Draft ushers in a new field of talent and 2025 was no different. Cooper Flagg led the way as the new face of the Dallas Mavericks, and his athleticism and ability drew headlines. But these days succeeding in professional basketball takes a lot more than raw ability, it requires durability in the face of long, difficult NBA seasons.
Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tear in Game 7 of the Finals was devastating for any fan who wanted to see the best possible series from both teams. It's also a reminder that at any time, a player's season, or even career can be derailed. Haliburton, 25, had already been dealing with a calf strain, and his early exit probably cost Indiana its shot at the title. The league is as defined by speed, strength, and impact as ever, and injuries like these are becoming all too common.
Kevin Durant missed the entire 2019-20 season after tearing his Achilles in the Finals. Klay Thompson lost an additional year after tearing his Achilles while rehabbing an ACL. And Kobe Bryant's 2013 Achilles tear, late in his career, marked the beginning of his physical decline and ultimately his retirement stretch.
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This is a lesson that players are trying to learn from now and it's affecting how they train. Strength and conditioning programs are moving toward safer, smarter tools that reduce injury risk while still building power. One of the more talked-about options is the GMWD Pendulum Squat Machine PS01, which is found in more and more training facilities these days.
Traditional squats can place a lot of strain on both your spine and knees, which makes them tough for any player who is trying to come back from injuries or keep them from occurring. This type of machine offers more controlled movement that still focuses on key lower body muscles without putting as much stress on the joints. It's helpful for rehabilitation and also building strength safely.
Now as we move into the Summer League, young stars as well as veterans are leaning into gear like this to help them stay on the court. The 2025-26 season tips off in October, and how players prepare this summer not only shapes the year ahead but their career development as well.
For rookies like Flagg, the focus is on establishing a strong base that'll last through an 82-game grind, not to mention a possible playoff run afterwards. For older stars, it's about extending careers in a league that isn't slowing down. As the next generation gets to work, longevity is clearly becoming just as important as raw skill.
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