Pacers' Wiseman suffered torn Achilles tendon in NBA season opener

LOS ANGELES — James Wiseman, the former No. 2 NBA Draft pick who has battled injuries throughout his career, tore his left Achilles tendon in Indiana's season opener against Detroit, the Pacers said Thursday (Friday Manila time).

"An MRI taken earlier today confirmed that Wiseman tore his left Achilles tendon, and the team and Wiseman are working together to evaluate treatment options," the Pacers said in a statement.

Wiseman, 23, exited in the first quarter of the game. He appeared to be injured as he stepped back after shooting a 3-pointer, planting his leg awkwardly and finally being helped to limp from the court by teammate Obi Toppin.

Wiseman joined Indiana this off-season after more than a season with the Pistons.

He was taken by the Golden State Warriors with the second overall pick in the 2020 draft, but knee and wrist injuries limited Wiseman to 39 games in his rookie season.

He missed all of the 2021-2022 season with a torn meniscus and the Warriors traded Wiseman to Detroit before the mid-season trade deadline in 2023.

Last season, he played a career-high 63 games for Detroit, averaging 7.1 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.