James Wiseman’s seasonal meniscus injury is undoubtedly a devastating setback, but it also offers the Warriors an opportunity to learn more about their esteemed rookie and their potential franchise center.
According to Dr. Steve Yoon, of the Regenerative Exercise and Joint Clinic at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, there are many reasons that could have contributed to Wiseman sustaining a meniscus injury in a dunk attempt on Saturday against the Houston Rockets. Over the next few days and weeks, Warriors’ medical and training staff will evaluate the 20-year-old’s body and determine where improvements can be made.
« You want to take a few steps back and try to understand its biomechanics better, » said Yoon. « They want to try to understand his strength and improve all of those things. »
Everything is explored how Wiseman walks, jumps, lands and moves back and forth through biomechanics – the science of how all parts of the body work together to create movement. For someone as tall as Wiseman, a 7-foot-1,240-pound center with a great vertical jump and explosive athleticism, there’s a lot to consider.
« Being a center puts an enormous amount of load on his knees, » said Yoon. « A lot of these college youngsters are very gifted and very athletic and talented, but they don’t necessarily have the strength or the biomechanics to withstand an entire season of the NBA. »
The first step is to determine the severity of the tear and whether or not an injury requires surgery from Wiseman. Thereafter, rehabilitation plans and a recovery schedule can be created. With only 19 games left over five weeks, Wiseman is unlikely to make a return this season, but there’s little reason to believe he won’t make a full recovery.
« More than once, when it comes to the meniscus, you will see a full recovery, » said Yoon, who chose not to comment on Wiseman’s specific recovery plan without first-hand knowledge of the injury.
This is a similar situation that the Pelicans found themselves in last season with top overall winner Zion Williamson, who had surgery for a ruptured meniscus in October 2019 and missed the next three months when the team patiently dealt with the injury. Only part of that time, says Yoon, was devoted entirely to recovery from surgery. Much of that time was likely used to improve Williamson’s biomechanics so that he could enjoy a long and successful career. The 20-year-old Williamson was named an All-Star this season.
« They are very similar approaches, » said Yoon, comparing Wiseman and Williamson. “The young man comes in, the potential cornerstone for the franchise. You want to take care of these situations. You want to take care of the meniscus, but you also want to take care of all the little things that can prevent future injuries.
« I think it is advisable for someone like James to take a holistic approach. And I think the team is taking every precaution to ensure that he is healthy for the future. »
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Some players have returned from meniscal injuries in 4 or 5 weeks, but with Wiseman there is no rush as the regular season will be almost over by then. If Wiseman goes through a three-month trial like Williamson, he could be back in time for the annual Las Vegas Summer League, which ESPN says is expected to take place in August.
However, there is still no official word from the warriors about whether Wiseman needs surgery and how long he will have to go without basketball activities. The team will consult with doctors and specialists before creating a schedule. Wiseman, the number 2 on the Golden State draft, had recently shown signs of a pre-injury breakthrough. He had scored a total of 37 points in 18v29 shooting and 17 rebounds in his last three games.
The Warriors could extend their season by advancing to the playoffs past the play-in tournament. If so, they may still take precedence over Wiseman’s long-term health rather than post-season experience.
« Ultimately, I think the team is doing the right thing by fully evaluating it, » said Yoon. « You really want to be careful with him and make sure he’s healthy and can compensate well as a player. » So you are taking a holistic approach here which is the right way to do it. «
Ref: https://www.mercurynews.com
