EuroLeague Star Mike James Suffers Serious Injury, Evacuated in Tears
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
EuroLeague player Mike James suffered a serious, non-contact leg injury during a game and was stretchered off the court in tears. The incident has raised concerns about his future career prospects, with comparisons drawn to other major basketball injuries.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mike James sustained a severe leg injury during a EuroLeague game.
- He was stretchered off the court in tears, raising career concerns.
- The injury occurred without contact during a rebound attempt.
- Comparisons have been made to Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury.
- James has a notable career history in Europe and a brief NBA stint.
Mike James, a prominent player in the EuroLeague, sustained a severe leg injury during a game on Thursday between Crvena Zvezda Belgrade and Anadolu Efes. The injury occurred without contact as James was going for a rebound in the third quarter, after a defensive struggle with Jordan Nwora. He was unable to walk afterward and was visibly emotional, being stretchered off the court in tears.
Concerns are high across Europe regarding the potential long-term impact of the injury on James's career, with some speculating he may not return to his previous form. The incident drew comparisons to Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles tendon tear in the decisive game of the 2024-25 NBA Finals.
James, 36, has had a storied career, beginning in Israel's National League with Hapoel Galil Elyon. He has since played for numerous top European clubs including Baskonia, Panathinaikos, CSKA Moscow, Milan, and Monaco before joining Anadolu Efes. He also made his debut for the United States national team during the summer. His career also included a brief stint in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets, where he was a teammate of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden.