Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas recently shared new insight about Damian Lillard’s and Jayson Tatum’s injuries. He said both players told him they experienced calf pain before suffering torn Achilles tendons.
Arenas revealed, “Even with Jayson Tatum when I asked him about the Achilles — and Dame — [I asked] was your calf hurting before? And they both said yes.” This sheds light on possible warning signs that might have been overlooked before their severe injuries.
Lillard suffered his injury during Game 4 of the first round series against the Indiana Pacers in 2025 playoffs. While attempting a rebound, he felt a non-contact left calf injury that ended his season and cast doubt on his 2025–26 availability. Tatum’s injury came in Game 4 against the Knicks when he ruptured his Achilles after diving for a loose ball.
The recent injury to Tyrese Haliburton in Game 7 of the NBA Finals echoes this pattern. Medical expert Dr. Brian Sutterer noted the mechanics of Haliburton’s injury suggested a serious Achilles problem, similar to those of Lillard and Tatum.
Haliburton’s team initially described his issue as a calf strain, but Sutterer questioned this classification. He said the visible “recoil” motion in Haliburton’s injury replay strongly indicates an Achilles rupture rather than a typical calf strain.
This situation raises concerns for the Pacers, who finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and reached the NBA Finals. If Haliburton’s injury is confirmed as an Achilles rupture, he could miss the entire next season.
Dr. Sutterer expressed sympathy for Haliburton, saying, “I am absolutely gutted for him. I wanted to see the Pacers win.” The injury occurred as the Pacers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who captured their first NBA title since relocating.
Arenas’ comments and the medical analysis of Haliburton’s injury may prompt teams to scrutinize calf pain more closely. Early detection might help prevent these season-ending Achilles tears that have impacted several star players this season.
