NBA Media Day is here, and fans can finally hear from their favorite players about how the summer went. For some players, summer was about working out on new areas of improvement. For others, it was getting back in shape. And for many superstar players, the summer was all about rehabbing from injuries. Here is a quick injury update on some of the biggest stars around the league.
NBA Media Day Roundup: Injury Updates For Star Players
Kyrie Irving is Right on Schedule
Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee earlier this March against the Sacramento Kings. He missed the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season. Recently, there were on-court workout videos showing the tantalizing guard moving fluidly. However, on Monday, Irving talked about his ACL rehab, saying he is “right on schedule”. He stressed he is not ahead and said he is focused on the process, saying:
“It’s been up and down, emotionally, just because of the good days where you make progress and some other days where you want to push your body to the limit, but you can’t. I was dealing with some of that, but it’s been a great journey thus far. Connecting with others who have torn their ACL or dealt with traumatic injuries. The best advice I got was to take your time. No timeline is going to be perfect. Don’t compare it to anyone else, so just enjoy the process, and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
When the injury first occurred, a lot of people around the league speculated about a midseason 2026 return. However, Irving doesn’t want to make any guarantees. And that will probably be the case until he is back on the floor.
Victor Wembanyama is Good to Go
Speaking in front of reporters as the official head coach of the San Antonio Spurs for the first time, Mitch Johnson said that Victor Wembanyama is ready to go. He has been cleared by the Spurs and the league, and he might start working out during training camp.
“Victor is cleared, he’s been cleared by our medical team and the league. He’s been ramping up, he’s been in a really good place. He was in angst for a long time to get back, so I would say that’s probably that more than anything.”
Before his blood clot, Wemby was the favorite to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. Entering the star’s third year, the Spurs are under pressure to compete after trading for De’Aaron Fox last season. Fox and Wemby only played a few games together. Hopefully, that will change this season.
Tatum Puts No Pressure on Himself
Recently, Jayson Tatum spoke about how his timeline for a return and how he doesn’t rule out the option of playing in the 2025-26 season. Boston Celtics fans were happy. However, there is always the risk of coming too soon and sustaining another injury. Speaking during Boston Celtics NBA media day, Tatum clarified:
“No. No pressure. I’ve stated that. There’s no pressure to return any sooner than when I’m 100% healthy. No pressure from Brad (Stevens), Joe (Mazzulla), the (Celtics). The most important thing is that I’m 100% recovered when I do come back.”
After the Celtics forward tore his Achilles tendon against the New York Knicks in the playoffs, the team changed its strategy. They traded away some core pieces to shed salary. Many people around the league saw it as a sign that the Celtics are preparing for a gap year. While Tatum wants to come back as soon as possible, he clarified that the priority is to get back to full health.
Tyler Herro Announces Injury Return Timeline
Tyler Herro showed up during NBA media day with a cast on his foot and a scooter to get around. He recently underwent surgery on his left foot and ankle. With the initial timeline set for somewhere in November, Herro said he is ahead of schedule. Speaking in front of reporters, the Miami Heat guard said: “I’ll be back in the next eight to 12 weeks, and it should be a full recovery. I’ll be better soon.”
The young guard also said he met with Heat coach Eric Spoelstra and told him that he will be back as soon as possible. After making the All-Star team last season, Herro believes he is already ahead of schedule.
Haliburton Embraces New Role
Tyrese Haliburton is another player who suffered a torn Achilles that will likely prevent him from playing during the 2025-26 season. Haliburton suffered the injury later than Tatum, pushing his timeline for return. Reports say the Indiana Pacers do not plan to have Hali back this season. The Pacers’ point guard and engine talked about how he is embracing a new role.
“I think whenever you don’t get to play, you get a new perspective on things. I think there’s always time to learn and grow, and I think that for me this year, not being able to play, I am going to see the game differently, potentially from a coaching perspective. I look forward to being able to digest the game without playing for a full year. I think that’s going to be different for me.”
Haliburton will remain a part of the organization and close to the team. Getting back will be a slow process, but with the right mindset, he can get to the right spot.
© David Butler II-Imagn Images
The post NBA Media Day Roundup: Injury Updates For Star Players appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.