Brutal Break For Pacers Big Man, Who Suffers Torn Achilles

A brutal start to his career is now a devastating start to the new season with a new team for former No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft, James Wiseman. He suffered a torn left Achilles tendon just five minutes into his first appearance on opening night with the Indiana Pacers.

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

Insider Shams Charania indicates that the Pacers and Wiseman are "working collaboratively" to determine treatment options, but a torn Achilles is usually a season-ending injury.

It was originally called "a left calf injury" by the team after he went down in a non-contact incident.

The 7-foot, 240-pound center has already missed an entire season in his young career, in 2021-22, after suffering a torn right meniscus while with the Golden State Warriors.

The Dubs traded him to the Detroit Pistons in the 2022-23 season, and he appeared to be reaching new heights after his arrival in the Motor City, averaging 12.7 points with 8.1 rebounds in 24 games (22 starts) at 25 minutes a night, his first real run in the NBA.

But last season, Wiseman struggled once again and was waived by the Pistons. The Pacers signed him in July and were hoping to develop him into trying to reach his lofty prospect status.

But now that's out of the question likely until the 2025-26 season.