Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Van Exel has a thought-provoking theory on why Achilles tendon injuries have become more frequent in the league. It’s a perspective worth considering and might even prompt changes in the NBA’s uniform code.
Fox Sports highlights that Achilles tendon injuries remain a prevalent, serious concern for basketball players. It’s driven by the sport’s high-impact, intense physical demands. These injuries can have devastating consequences, often threatening players’ careers and long-term prospects. Van Exel said:
It’s [Achilles injuries] considered one of the most feared injuries in the NBA, sidelining players for eight to 12 months, with many never fully regaining their previous speed, agility, and explosiveness.
Athletes affected by this injury are not necessarily sidelined permanently. Research indicates there is a relatively high success rate in recovery. But, there is a troubling aspect. Many players who experience this injury often fail to return to their previous peak performance levels. That usually equates to shortened longevity in the high-powered world of the NBA.
A study by the National Library of Medicine found that 72.3% of NBA players return to play after Achilles tendon surgery, but they tend to have shorter careers compared to those who have not been injured. Players who come back after such surgeries experience reduced game participation and performance levels compared to their pre-injury baseline. As the NBA is witnessing an increase in Achilles injuries, this is especially concerning.
A Yahoo Sports article from May 2025 reports that this season alone, six players have torn their Achilles tendons during games, with Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum being the latest victim. The alarming rise in injury rates demands urgent scrutiny, and unraveling its root cause may hold the key to prevention. Van Exel has stepped into the spotlight with a provocative theory: Could the type of sneakers players wear, particularly low-tops, be fueling the spike in injuries? His argument rests on a compelling premise, making it a hypothesis worth exploring.
Van Exel, also known as “Nick at Nite,” is a former guard initially drafted by the Lakers in 1993. He did not, however, stay with the Lakers.
He played for several teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs, during his career. In 2006, he retired. With over a decade of NBA experience, Van Exel has gathered enough insights to offer a valuable opinion.
Shane Gray Acedra, who is a Yahoo Sports contributor, cites Van Exel’s thoughts regarding the injuries.
“Achilles tears have occurred over the years, but I believe they’re more common now, and I think it’s partly due to the low-cut shoes players wear these days. Cover your ankles, guys.”
Is his point valid?
Considering what is known about Achilles injuries and Van Exel’s observations, he’s not far from accurate. According to Johns Hopkins University:
“Anyone can develop an Achilles tendon injury. They’re often linked to repetitive stress. The Achilles tendon endures significant stress and pressure during daily activities, as well as athletic and recreational play”.
One factor consistently identified as heightening injury risk is “wearing the wrong shoes.” Given these facts, this conclusion is undeniable. Low-top sneakers, in particular, are undeniably a contributing part of the problem.
Is it the only cause? No, there are other issues. They include uneven playing surfaces, inadequate warm-up routines, related conditions like bone spurs, and a sudden increase in activity. Multiple factors can contribute to them. However, this doesn’t mean eliminating known risks should be ignored. Addressing these issues can help reduce injuries, thereby preserving athletes’ career longevity and protecting the team’s interests by minimizing downtime due to healing.
Every sport enforces a uniform policy, ideally to promote team unity, inclusivity, and professionalism. In some sports, like football, protective gear is integral to the uniform, safeguarding against common injuries.
Interestingly, in the NBA, restrictions on footwear mainly pertain to color, style, and branding. In 2018, ESPN reported:
“The only ongoing restrictions will regard third-party logos, which still will have to be preapproved by the league office before making their way to the court.”
In light of the increasing incidence of Achilles tendon injuries and supporting data, implementing standardized footwear requirements to safeguard these vulnerable areas would be a prudent move. Making high-top sneakers mandatory could serve not only as a preventative measure but also as a form of protection—an essential investment for players, teams, and leagues alike. With that, I conclude my rant on Van Excl and his insightful observation.
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