National Basketball Association Athletes Research Articles

Professional Agent Perspectives on Representing WNBA Athletes in the United States

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the experiences,challenges, and opportunities faced by professional sports agents in the United States whorepresent professional Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes. Data werecollected using semi-structured interviews with 15 professional sports agents. A thematicanalysis of the data helped identify 11 major themes which included (a)Contract itemsnegotiated, (b)WNBA’s contract negotiations differences from other professional leagues,(c)Contract negotiation Challenges, (d)Level of Branding and Marketing involvement ofProfessional agents, (e)Brand and marketing challenges, (f)Marketing and branding WNBAathletes versus other professional leagues athletes, (g)Branding and marketing opportunities, (h)Experiences with client management, (i)Career needs assessment for WNBA athletes , (j)Client Management Challenges, and (k)Career transition Opportunities for WNBA athletes (i.e. retirement). The study findings have implications for professional sports agents and best practices.

Athletes and activism, and the NBA: through the lens of added value theory

This research study took an in-depth look at how the National Basketball Association (NBA) and its athletes influenced voter turnout for the 2020 presidential election. The NBA worked with athletes and communities to create a space for Black voters to cast their ballot in a safe and efficient manner in the 2020 presidential election. Value Added Theory (VAT) assisted in understanding how events in 2020 surrounding the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, influenced the NBA as an organisation and NBA athletes to mobilise and use their influence and platform to increase voter turnout in urban areas across the U.S. This study applied a mixed methods methodology in which researchers interviewed a representative from three voting rights organisations who were dedicated to mobilising Black voters during the 2020 presidential election. A content analysis methodology was also used to gather voter turnout data for U.S. counties with NBA teams to compare voter turnout from 2016 to 2020. This methodology helped to produce context for how athlete activism influenced the 2020 election. Results show that NBA athletes and the NBA as a league, had a notable impact on voter turnout in the 2020 election through the use of social media, donations, access, mobilisation of Black voters, and combating voter suppression. This paper illustrates how athletes and an organisation, worked together to make structural and effective change within their communities, by leveraging their resources and influential platform.

Strains/Sprains and Fractures Are the Most Common Hand and Wrist Injuries in National Basketball Association Athletes Who Return to Preinjury Player Efficiency and Equal or Greater True Shooting Percentage Within Two Years of Injury

To characterize the prevalence and incidence of in-game hand and wrist injuries in the National Basketball Association (NBA), to determine the factors associated with an equal or greater player efficiency rating (PER), and to determine the factors associated with an equal or greater true shooting percentage (TS%) 2 years after a hand and wrist injury using a large-scale national database of NBA players. Injury data from seasons 2015-2016 to 2020-2021, with exclusion of the 2019-2020 because of abbreviated play due to the coronavirus disease 2019, were extracted from a public online database, Pro Sports Transactions. Injury characteristics and NBA player demographic information were assessed using descriptive statistics. Poisson logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with equal or increased PER and TS% 2years after injury. There were 214 reported hand and wrist injuries, and of these injuries, 173 (81%) were classified as structural. The most common injury types were a strain or sprain (0.63 per 1,000 game exposures), followed by fractures (0.37 per 1,000 game exposures). Older age (relative risk [RR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.84-0.95) and more years played in the NBA were modestly associated with relative risk of having a decreased PER at 2 years after injury. Increased weight (RR 1.02; 95% CI 1-1.05) and increased body mass index (RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.01-1.29) were also modestly associated with having a decreased PER and TS%, respectively at 2 years after injury. Strains/sprains and fractures are the most common hand and wrist injuries sustained by NBA players. Regardless of dominant or nondominant hand and wrist injuries, NBA players are likely to return to baseline overall player efficiency based on PER and TS% within 2 years of injury. Our study characterizes hand and wrist injuries of NBA players and provides an understanding for these injuries on player performance at 2 years.

Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in National Basketball Association Athletes and Their Effects on Player Performance.

Shoulder and elbow function is essential to basic basketball actions. Outside of anterior shoulder instability, injuries in these joints are not well characterized in National Basketball Association (NBA) players. To describe the epidemiology and associated risk factors of shoulder and elbow injuries in NBA players and identify factors that influence player performance upon return to play. Descriptive epidemiology study. Historical injury data from the 2015-2020 NBA seasons were retrieved from Pro Sports Transactions, a public online database. An injury was defined as a health-related concern resulting in an absence of ≥1 NBA games. Primary measures included pre- and postinjury player efficiency rating (PER) and true shooting percentage (TS%) with interquartile ranges (IQRs), stratified by extremity dominance. Multivariate logistic regression analyses with stepwise regression were performed to identify risk factors associated with return-to-play performance. A total of 192 shoulder and elbow injuries were sustained among 126 NBA athletes, with incidence rates of 1.11 per 1000 game exposures (GEs) and 0.30 per 1000 GEs, respectively. Sprain/strain and general soreness were the most common injury types in both the shoulder and the elbow. In the 2 years after injury, baseline PER was achieved in all groups, except for players with dominant shoulder injuries (baseline PER, 16 [IQR, 14-18] vs 2-year PER, 13 [IQR 11-16]; P = .012). Younger age was associated with quicker return to baseline PER (odds ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.67-0.88]). Shoulder and elbow injuries did not negatively influence TS% upon return to play (baseline TS%, 0.55% [IQR, 0.51%-0.58%] vs 1-year TS%, 0.55% [IQR, 0.52%-0.58%]; P = .13). Dominant shoulder injuries negatively influenced PER during the first 2 seasons upon return to play in NBA players. Therefore, expectations that players with this type of injury immediately achieve baseline statistical production should be tempered. Shooting accuracy appears to remain unaffected after shoulder or elbow injury.

Biomechanics and situational patterns associated with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the National Basketball Association (NBA)

ObjectivesPerform a comprehensive video analysis of all anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes from 2006 to 2022 to determine the associated biomechanics, injury mechanism and...

Return to Sport and Performance After Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint Collateral Ligament Surgery in the National Basketball Association.

Introduction Basketball players are at increased risk of thumb collateral ligament injury (ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and radial collateral ligament (RCL)). Methods The National Basketball Association (NBA) players with thumb collateral ligament surgery were identified using publicly available data. Performance statistics, ligament injuries (UCL or RCL), return to sport (RTS) time, laterality, and injury dates were recorded. Cases were matched 1:1 with controls based on age (±1 year), body mass index (BMI), NBA experience (±1 year), and performance statistics prior to the index date. RTS was defined as playing in one NBA game postoperatively. Career longevity was evaluated. Summary statistics were calculated, and Student's t-tests (ɑ = 0.001) were performed. Results All 47 players identified with thumb collateral ligament surgeries returned to sport. Thirty-three players (age: 26.9 ± 3.0) had one year of postoperative NBA experience for performance analysis. Career length (case: 9.6 ± 4.1, control: 9.4 ± 4.3, p > 0.001) was not significantly different from controls (p > 0.001). The same season time to RTS (n = 20) was 7.1 ± 2.4 weeks. Off-season or season-ending surgery (n = 13) RTS time was 28.4 ± 18.7 weeks. Neither thumb collateral ligament (UCL, n = 7; RCL, n = 10; unknown, n = 16) had an identifiable difference between the groups when evaluating career length. Career length, games/season, and performance were not different for players who underwent surgery on their dominant thumb (63.6%, 21/33) compared to controls (p > 0.001). Conclusion RTS rate is high in NBA athletes undergoing thumb collateral ligament surgery. Players do not experience decreased performance or career length due to thumb collateral ligament surgery, regardless of a dominant or non-dominant thumb injury.

Poster 358: Minutes Per Game and Usage Rate Associated with Time Loss after Ankle Injury: A Characterization of Foot and Ankle Injuries and Associated Risk Factors in National Basketball Association Athletes

Objectives: Injuries to the foot and ankle are more common in National Basketball Association (NBA) basketball compared to other professional sports. The goal of this study is to report the incidence and associated risk factors of foot and ankle injuries in the NBA athletes. Methods: Foot and ankle injury data from the 2015-16 through 2020-21 NBA seasons was queried and verified using a publicly available database. The truncated 2019-20 season was omitted from this study due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary outcome was the incidence of foot and ankle injuries, reported per 1000 game exposures (GEs). Secondary analysis was performed to identify risk factors for ankle injuries through bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression of player demographics, performance statistics, injury characteristics, and previous lower extremity injuries. Additionally, factors influencing the length of absence were assessed via negative binomial regression. Results: There were 728 structural foot and ankle injuries (5.34 per 1000 GEs) sustained by NBA players over 5 NBA seasons, with sprain/strain as the most common injury type (4.27 per 1000 GEs) (Table 1). The majority of ankle injury events (55%) resulted in 2-10 game absences (Table 4). The likelihood of sustaining an ankle injury was significantly associated with a greater number of games played, previous upper leg injury, and more games missed due to injury (Table 2). Increased length of absence due to ankle injury was significantly associated with greater height, minutes per game, usage rate, points per game, total rebounds per game, and a prior history of foot, ankle, and knee injuries (Table 3). Conclusions: The incidence of foot and ankle injuries was 5.34 per 1000 GEs in professional basketball players. Games played and previous history of upper leg injuries were found to be risk factors for ankle injuries. Factors associated with physiologic burden such as minutes per game and usage rate were associated with an increased severity of injury. [Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text][Table: see text]

Characterization of Ankle Injuries and Associated Risk Factors in the National Basketball Association: Minutes Per Game and Usage Rate Associated With Time Loss.

Ankle injuries are more common in the National Basketball Association (NBA) compared with other professional sports. The purpose of this study was to report the incidence and associated risk factors of ankle injuries in NBA athletes. It was hypothesized that factors associated with an increased physiologic burden, such as minutes per game (MPG), usage rate, and associated lower extremity injury, would be associated with increased ankle injury risk and time loss. Descriptive epidemiology study. Ankle injury data from the 2015-2016 through 2020-2021 NBA seasons were evaluated. The truncated 2019-2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic was omitted. The primary outcome was the incidence of ankle injuries, reported per 1000 game-exposures (GEs). Secondary analysis was performed to identify risk factors for ankle injuries through bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression of player demographic characteristics, performance statistics, injury characteristics, and previous lower extremity injuries. Factors influencing the time loss after injury were assessed via a negative binomial regression analysis. A total of 554 ankle injuries (4.06 injuries per 1000 GEs) were sustained by NBA players over 5 NBA seasons, with sprain/strain the most common injury type (3.71 injuries per 1000 GEs). The majority of ankle injury events (55%) resulted in 2 to 10 game absences. The likelihood of sustaining an ankle injury was significantly associated with a greater number of games played (P = .029) and previous injury to the hip, hamstring, or quadriceps (P = .004). Increased length of absence due to ankle injury was associated with greater height (P = .019), MPG (P < .001), usage rate (P = .025), points per game (P = .011), and a prior history of foot (P = .003), ankle (P < .001), and knee injuries (P < .001). The incidence of ankle injuries was 4.06 per 1000 GEs in professional basketball players. Games played and prior history of hip, hamstring, or quadriceps injuries were found to be risk factors for ankle injuries. Factors associated with physiologic burden such as MPG and usage rate were associated with an increased time loss after injury.

A wen-wu Approach to Male Teenage Chinese Sports Fans’ Heteronormative Interpretation of Masculinity

This article analyses how performatively heteronormative, male teenage Chinese fans consume sports games through the prism of masculinity, using secondary school students’ engagement with the NBA (National Basketball Association) as a case study. Drawing on focus groups of twenty-three participants, we discover that male teenage sports fans constantly evoke elite NBA athletes as male ideals to define a desirable, heteronormative wen-wu masculinity specific to the post-reform era. In this process, they often engage in a double-standard practice, manifesting as their appropriation of the CP (coupling) rhetoric to ‘ship’ athletes and their problematisation of heterosexual women and LGBTQ fans’ similar usage of it. This double-standard practice constitutes an attempt to monopolise the interpretation of masculinity both within and outside of the sporting context. It sheds light on the heteronormative male cohort’s rejection of alternative masculinities, underscoring how aspects of gender politics unfolding in wider society are reflected in China’s teenage sports fandom.

Facial injuries in the National Basketball Association: 2013-14 through 2017-18

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the epidemiology, mechanisms, treatment, and disability for facial injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes. Methods This was a retrospective descriptive epidemiological chart review using NBA Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. Responses to injuries reported in games, practices, and other activities were used for all data analysis, except for game incidence rates. Incidence rates were calculated by the game-related facial injury incidence per total athlete exposure (player-games). Results There were 440 facial injuries among 263 athletes during the 5 NBA seasons with an overall single-season risk of 12.6% and a game incidence of 2.4 per 1000 athlete-exposures (95% CI: 2.18–2.68). The majority of injuries were lacerations (n = 159, 36.1%), contusions (n = 99, 22.5%), or fractures (n = 67, 15.2%), with ocular (n = 163, 37.0%) being the most commonly injured location. Sixty (13.6%) injuries resulted in at least one NBA game missed (224 cumulative player-games) with ocular injuries resulting in the most cumulative games missed (n = 167, 74.6%). Nasal fractures (n = 39, 58.2%) were the most common fracture location followed by ocular fractures (n = 12, 17.9%) but were less likely to lead to games missed (median = 1, IRQ: 1–3) than ocular (median = 7, IQR: 2–10) fractures. Conclusions An average of one in eight NBA players sustained a facial injury each season with ocular injuries being the most common location. While most facial injuries are minor, serious injuries, especially ocular fractures, can result in games missed.

Mechanisms of Achilles Tendon Rupture in National Basketball Association Players.

A systematic search was performed of online databases for any Achilles tendon (AT) injuries occurring within the National Basketball Association (NBA). Video was obtained of injuries occurring during competition and downloaded for analysis in Dartfish. NBA athletes (n = 27) were identified with AT rupture over a 30-year period (1991-2021). Of the 27 NBA athletes found to have AT ruptures (mean age: 29.3 [3.3]y; average time in the NBA: 8.5 [3.8]y), 15 in-game videos were obtained for analysis. Noncontact rupture was presumed to have occurred in 12/13 cases. Eight of the 13 athletes had possession of the ball during time of injury. The ankle joint of the injured limb for all 13 athletes was in a dorsiflexed position during the time of injury (47.9° [6.5°]). All 13 athletes performed a false-step mechanism at time of injury where they initiated the movement by taking a rearward step posterior to their center of mass with the injured limb before translating forward. NBA basketball players that suffered AT ruptures appeared to present with a distinct sequence of events, including initiating a false step with ankle dorsiflexion of the injured limb at the time of injury.

Lower Extremity Stress Fractures in the National Basketball Association, 2013-2014 Through 2018-2019.

Background:Players in the National Basketball Association (NBA) are at risk for lower extremity stress fractures, partly because of the sport’s high-intensity demand on the lower body.Purpose:To provide insight on the identification and management of potential risk factors associated with lower extremity stress fractures in NBA athletes.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted using the NBA electronic medical record database for all players who were on an NBA roster for ≥1 game from the 2013-2014 through 2018-2019 seasons. Player characteristics, games missed, and treatment methodology were independently analyzed. Results were presented as incidence per 1000 player-games.Results:There were 22 stress fractures identified in 20 NBA players over the course of 6 years, with an average of 3.67 stress fractures per year and an incidence of 0.12 stress fractures per 1000 player-games. Most stress fractures occurred in the foot (17/22), and 45% (10/22) of stress fractures were treated surgically, with the most common site of operation being the navicular. On average, approximately 37 games and 243 days were missed per stress fracture injury. There was no significant difference in time to return to play between high-risk stress fractures treated operatively versus nonoperatively (269.2 vs 243.8 days; P = .82).Conclusion:The overall incidence of stress fractures in NBA players was 0.12 per 1000 player-games, and a high percentage of players returned to NBA activity after the injury. There was a relatively even distribution between high-risk stress fractures treated operatively and nonoperatively. When comparing high-risk stress fractures treated operatively to ones treated nonoperatively, no significant difference in average time to return to play in the NBA was found.

Return to play and performance in the National Basketball Association after undergoing operative or nonoperative treatment for foot fracture

BackgroundThe incidence of distal lower extremity fractures in National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes continues to increase. There is a paucity of data regarding return-to-play (RTP) rates and performance after sustaining foot fractures in these athletes. The purpose of this study is to quantify RTP rates and performance in NBA players after sustaining a foot fracture. MethodsSixty-two NBA athletes suffered foot fractures between 2005 and 2021 according to publicly accessible online data. Each athlete was matched to a control player based on age at start of career, age at index injury year, body mass index (BMI), and position played. Performance statistics from 3 seasons prior and 3 seasons following the index injury season were recorded. ResultsWe found that players who suffered foot fracture injuries are expected to make a full recovery and reach their previous level of performance within three years. 100% of players treated nonoperatively returned to play; meanwhile only 90% of players who were treated operatively returned to play. This difference is statistically significant. ConclusionNBA athletes have a high RTP rate after sustaining a foot fracture. Players may experience an initial decrease in playing time and performance when returning to play, however, these variables were found to return to baseline over time. After three seasons, player statistics returned to baseline in mostly every category, including player efficiency rating (PER). We found that players are expected to make a full recovery and return to their previous level of performance, regardless of whether they were treated operatively or not. Players treated nonoperatively returned to play at a rate of 100% meanwhile those treated operatively returned at a rate of 90%. Therefore, it is our recommendation that players opt for nonoperative treatment when possible.

Knee Injuries and Associated Risk Factors in National Basketball Association Athletes

PurposeTo determine structural knee injury rates and to identify risk factors and the number of games missed associated with these injuries in National Basketball Association (NBA) players from the 2015 to 2020 seasons.MethodsPublicly available player records of active NBA players between the 2015 and 2020 seasons (excluding the shortened 2019 season) were reviewed to identify players with a knee injury associated with missing one or more games. Player demographics, anthropometric measurements, statistics, injury characteristics, and history of other lower-extremity injuries were recorded. We sought factors associated with having a structural knee injury in bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Negative binomial regression was conducted to evaluate factors associated with the total number of games missed.ResultsTwo hundred twelve players (of 1,011, 21%) sustained a structural knee injury. Accounting for potential confounders, having a structural knee injury was associated with more minutes per game played (odds ratio [OR] 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-1.2; P = .002), a greater usage rate (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P = .004), and a lower player efficiency rating (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.89-1.0; P = .041). A greater number of missed games was associated with more minutes per game (regression coefficient [RC] 0.065; 0.028-0.10; P = .001), fewer points per game (RC –0.078; –0.14 to –0.017; P = .013), and greater usage rate (RC 0.032; 0.0040-0.060; P = .025).ConclusionsStructural knee injuries occurred in 21% of players in this study with an overall rate of 5.42 injuries per 1,000 game exposures. Significant risk factors associated with injury were minutes per game, usage rate, and true shooting percentage. Player efficiency was significantly associated with a decreased risk of injury. Increased minutes per game and usage rate were significantly associated with a longer duration of game loss.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, case series.

Machine Learning for Predicting Lower Extremity Muscle Strain in National Basketball Association Athletes.

Background:In professional sports, injuries resulting in loss of playing time have serious implications for both the athlete and the organization. Efforts to quantify injury probability utilizing machine learning have been met with renewed interest, and the development of effective models has the potential to supplement the decision-making process of team physicians.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to (1) characterize the epidemiology of time-loss lower extremity muscle strains (LEMSs) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1999 to 2019 and (2) determine the validity of a machine-learning model in predicting injury risk. It was hypothesized that time-loss LEMSs would be infrequent in this cohort and that a machine-learning model would outperform conventional methods in the prediction of injury risk.Study Design:Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Performance data and rates of the 4 major muscle strain injury types (hamstring, quadriceps, calf, and groin) were compiled from the 1999 to 2019 NBA seasons. Injuries included all publicly reported injuries that resulted in lost playing time. Models to predict the occurrence of a LEMS were generated using random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), neural network, support vector machines, elastic net penalized logistic regression, and generalized logistic regression. Performance was compared utilizing discrimination, calibration, decision curve analysis, and the Brier score.Results:A total of 736 LEMSs resulting in lost playing time occurred among 2103 athletes. Important variables for predicting LEMS included previous number of lower extremity injuries; age; recent history of injuries to the ankle, hamstring, or groin; and recent history of concussion as well as 3-point attempt rate and free throw attempt rate. The XGBoost machine achieved the best performance based on discrimination assessed via internal validation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.840), calibration, and decision curve analysis.Conclusion:Machine learning algorithms such as XGBoost outperformed logistic regression in the prediction of a LEMS that will result in lost time. Several variables increased the risk of LEMS, including a history of various lower extremity injuries, recent concussion, and total number of previous injuries.

Concussions in the Women’s National Basketball Association: Analysis of Incidence, Return-to-Play Timing, and Player Performance From 1997 to 2020

Background:The extent to which concussions affect Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes has not been thoroughly examined.Purpose:To evaluate the incidence and impact of concussion injuries occurring in the WNBA.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:Publicly available records were searched to identify all documented basketball-related concussions from WNBA seasons 1997 to 2020. Player demographics, injury details, and basketball career information were collected. Concussion incidence and return-to-play (RTP) timing were evaluated before and after the institution of the WNBA concussion protocol in 2012. Minutes per game and game score per minute were compared 5 games before and 5 games after the concussion was sustained. Player game availability and RTP performance were also compared with an age-, body mass index–, position-, and experience-matched control group of players who did not sustain any injuries during the index season.Results:A total of 70 concussions among 55 players were reported in the WNBA from 1997 to 2020, with a mean incidence of 2.9 ± 2.3 concussions per season. After the implementation of the WNBA concussion protocol, the incidence significantly increased from 1.7 to 5.0 concussions per season (P < .001). All players returned after a first-time concussion, missing a mean of 3.8 ± 4.7 games and 17.9 ± 20.7 days. After the adoption of the concussion protocol, the time to RTP significantly increased with games missed (P = .006) and days missed (P = .006). Minutes per game and game score per minute were not significantly affected by sustaining a concussion (P = .451 and P = .826, respectively).Conclusion:Since the adoption of the WNBA concussion protocol in the 2012 season, the incidence of concussions increased significantly. Athletes retained a high rate of RTP after missing a median of 4 games, and the time to RTP increased after the institution of the concussion protocol. Player game availability and performance within the same season were not significantly affected by concussion injuries after a successful RTP.

Impact of Patellar Tendinopathy on Player Performance in the National Basketball Association.

Background:The extent to which patellar tendinopathy affects National Basketball Association (NBA) athletes has not been thoroughly elucidated.Purpose:To assess the impact patellar tendinopathy has on workload, player performance, and career longevity in NBA athletes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:NBA players diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy between the 2000-2001 and 2018-2019 seasons were identified through publicly available data. Characteristics, return to play (RTP), player statistics, and workload data were compiled. The season of diagnosis was set as the index year, and the statistical analysis compared post- versus preindex data acutely and in the long term, both within the injured cohort and with a matched healthy NBA control cohort.Results:A total of 46 NBA athletes were included in the tendinopathy group; all 46 players returned to the NBA after their diagnosis. Compared with controls, the tendinopathy cohort had longer careers (10.50 ± 4.32 vs 7.18 ± 5.28 seasons; P < .001) and played more seasons after return from injury (4.26 ± 2.46 vs 2.58 ± 3.07 seasons; P = .001). Risk factors for patellar tendinopathy included increased workload before injury (games started, 45.83 ± 28.67 vs 25.01 ± 29.77; P < .001) and time played during the season (1951.21 ± 702.09 vs 1153.54 ± 851.05 minutes; P < .001) and during games (28.71 ± 6.81 vs 19.88 ± 9.36 minutes per game; P < .001). Players with increased productivity as measured by player efficiency rating (PER) were more likely to develop patellar tendinopathy compared with healthy controls (15.65 ± 4.30 vs 12.76 ± 5.27; P = .003). When comparing metrics from 1 year preinjury, there was a decrease in games started at 1 year postinjury (−12.42 ± 32.38 starts; P = .028) and total time played (−461.53 ± 751.42 minutes; P = .001); however, PER at 1 and 3 years after injury was unaffected compared with corresponding preinjury statistics.Conclusion:NBA players with a higher PER and significantly more playing time were more likely to be diagnosed with patellar tendinopathy. Player performance was not affected by the diagnosis of patellar tendinopathy, and athletes were able to RTP without any impact on career longevity.

Economic and Performance Impact of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury in National Basketball Association Players.

Background:Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears are one of the most devastating injuries seen in the National Basketball Association (NBA). No previous studies have examined the economic impact of ACL tears in the NBA.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to examine the economic impact of ACL tears on NBA players and teams by calculating the costs of recovery (COR) and classifying players based on preinjury success level (All-Star or equivalent, starter, or reserve) and salary (in US$ million: <1.5, 1.5-4, or >4 per season). It was hypothesized that players with a lower preinjury salary or primarily a reserve role would have decreased costs, lower rates of return to play (RTP), and shorter careers.Study Design:Descriptive epidemiology study.Methods:We reviewed the publicly available records of NBA players treated with ACL reconstruction from 2000 to 2015. Data collected included player demographics, player salaries, statistical performance using player efficiency rating (PER), and specifics regarding time missed and RTP rate.Results:A total of 35 players met the study inclusion criteria. The cumulative economic loss from ACL injuries in the NBA from 2000 to 2015 was $99 million. The average COR was $2.9 million per player. RTP rate was 91% overall, with 70% retention at 3 years. Players that made a salary of less than $1.5 million per season before the injury had a significant drop in PER (difference of –7), RTP rate of 63%, and only 37% retention at 3 years. Conversely, recovering All-Star players also had a significant drop in PER (–6.2), and no players repeated as All-Stars in the season after ACL reconstruction (0%), although they did have a 100% RTP rate and an average career length of 5.6 seasons postinjury.Conclusion:While the RTP rate in NBA athletes remained high, ACL reconstruction can result in decreased statistical performance and/or inability to return to prior levels of play. Players who made less than $1.5 million preinjury or played primarily in a reserve role were associated with lower RTP and retention in the NBA at 3 years.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Does Not Impact Career Earnings After Return to Play in National Basketball Association Athletes

PurposeTo quantify the financial impact of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on the remaining career earnings of National Basketball Association (NBA) players.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all NBA players who had an ACL rupture between 2000 and 2019. Players were matched to healthy controls by age, position, body mass index, and player efficiency rating at the time of injury (index year). Player information collected included demographic information, position, team role, draft pick, date of injury, contract length, and earnings during the 3 years before and 7 years after the index year, as well as new contract length and earnings after injury.ResultsA total of 12 players (22%) did not return to play (RTP). No statistically significant difference in annual earnings was present at any time point between cohorts. When we examined the mean difference in earnings between the first 3 post-index seasons and the 3 pre-index seasons, both the ACL and control cohorts showed increased salaries as players’ careers progressed, without a significant difference in earnings. When comparing cohorts, we found no significant difference in the length and earnings of contracts during the index year. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the length or earnings of the first new contract signed after the index year between cohorts. Additionally, NBA players who were able to RTP after ACL reconstruction were more likely to experience increased earnings if they had greater experience and performance prior to their injury (P < .01).ConclusionsOur study found that NBA players did not experience diminished earnings after RTP from an ACL reconstruction when compared with matched controls. Furthermore, no differences were seen in lengths of new contracts or in contract earnings between cohorts. Players with greater experience and performance prior to injury were more likely to have increased earnings after ACL reconstruction.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective case-control study.

Association of Prior Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear With Decreased Career Longevity in Women's National Basketball Association.

Background:The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s basketball exceeds that of men. There is a paucity of data regarding career performance in Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) athletes with a history of ACL reconstruction.Purpose:To determine whether WNBA athletes with a history of ACL injury prior to professional play have reduced career game utilization, defined as games played and started and minutes per game (MPG), as well as statistical performance, defined by player efficiency rating (PER).Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:Included were 42 WNBA players from 1997 to 2018 who had a history of ACL reconstruction before entering professional leagues. Body mass index (BMI), age, and position were collected for each player. Career data and performance statistics were likewise collected for each player’s entire WNBA career. A control group of WNBA players with no history of ACL injury were matched by position, BMI, and age at the time of WNBA debut. Statistics compared game utilization and performance to assess the impact of ACL reconstruction.Results:Athletes who sustained an ACL tear before entering the league played in fewer games per season in their first 3 professional seasons compared with healthy controls (24.2 ± 8.4 vs 28.2 ± 6.1; P = .02). Among athletes with a history of ACL reconstruction, 11 (26.2%) played only a single WNBA season, while no control athletes played in just 1 season. Additionally, athletes who had a previous ACL tear started significantly fewer games per season (9.0 ± 9.4 vs 14.0 ± 9.0; P < .01) and played fewer MPG (15.5 ± 7.2 vs 20.7 ± 5.5; P < .01) during their WNBA career. Athletes with a history of ACL tear had significantly shorter WNBA careers (4.8 ± 4.1 vs 8.1 ± 3.3 seasons; P < .001). Total professional play duration (WNBA + overseas) was significantly reduced in players with an ACL tear compared with controls (P < .05). PER was not significantly different between cohorts at any time point.Conclusion:WNBA athletes with a history of an ACL tear before professional play had decreased career game utilization and workload throughout their career despite having similar PER compared with healthy controls.