A wave of calf strains is hitting the NBA, sidelining key players like Victor Wembanyama and Ja Morant alongside several others. This isn’t just bad luck; it’s a trend reflecting a fundamental shift in the game and how players are being developed – and it’s becoming increasingly costly for teams.
The Rising Rate of Injuries
The NBA is seeing a significant jump in player injuries this season. Star player availability has dropped from 87.2% in the 2023-2024 season to a concerning 67.6% now. This means teams are missing key players more frequently – roughly one out of every three games. Calf strains are a prominent factor, but not the only one. Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton suffered Achilles tendon tears last season, both linked to the stress on calf muscles.
The Modern NBA: Speed, Space, and Stress
The root of the problem isn’t random. Today’s NBA is faster, more spread out, and relies heavily on three-point shooting. Players cover more ground at higher speeds than ever before (averaging 4.43 mph and 34.3 miles per game). According to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, “Everyone understands that it’s easier to score if you beat the opponent down the floor…but when everybody’s doing that, the games are much higher-paced.”
This increased demand puts immense strain on calf muscles, which contract with every stride, jump, and cut. Plantar flexion – the act of pointing your foot downward – is constant in the modern game, increasing risk.
Shifting Player Roles and Early Specialization
Traditional basketball positions are blurring. Centers and power forwards are now expected to handle the ball and shoot from long range, demanding more agility and movement from bigger bodies. Wembanyama, a 7’4″ center, averages nearly five three-point attempts per game, embodying this change. This puts more stress on calf muscles as heavier players move like smaller, quicker ones.
The problem starts even earlier: young players are pushed into specialized basketball training at younger ages, sacrificing well-rounded physical development. Encouraging diverse athletic activity early on could help prevent overuse injuries later.
Shoes and Data Gaps
Sneaker technology has also evolved, with players opting for low-tops for greater ankle flexibility. While this may aid movement, it could also increase the risk of calf strains. More research is needed to assess the impact of shoe design on injury rates.
The Bottom Line
The NBA is facing a serious injury problem driven by the game’s evolution. Addressing this requires more detailed data collection, improved conditioning programs, and a reevaluation of how players are developed from youth to the professional level. Ignoring the issue risks further sidelining star talent and impacting the league’s competitiveness.
