James Wiseman made a triumphant return to the basketball court during his first regular-season game in over a year. The Indiana Pacers faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 25, marking a significant milestone in Wiseman’s career.
Memphis Debut After Injury Recovery
Playing at the arena where he briefly showcased his talents for the Memphis Tigers, Wiseman expressed his emotions. “It means everything,” he stated. “I’ve got family out here, so it’s a blessing to be out here, to be able to play in front of the fans.”
Game Highlights
In the contest, which ended with a 128-103 loss to the Grizzlies, Wiseman had a modest output. He scored four points and recorded four rebounds in nearly 20 minutes of play. This game marked his first regular-season appearance since suffering a torn Achilles tendon on October 23, 2024.
Background and Career Journey
- Drafted as the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
- Faced a challenging career with several injuries.
- Worked diligently on his rehabilitation during his time off.
Before the game, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle highlighted Wiseman’s determination in overcoming significant obstacles. “He worked extremely hard to get his rehab done during the year,” Carlisle noted. “The number of hours and sweat that went into it was pretty amazing.”
Coach’s Praise and Future Outlook
Despite the loss, Wiseman felt satisfied with his performance and the opportunity to return to the court. “It was exciting, man,” he remarked. “Just even to be out there. Coming back from an Achilles injury is one of the most severe injuries that you could have as an athlete.”
His focus remains on maintaining his health and improving his gameplay as the season progresses. Wiseman mentioned conversations with his former coach Penny Hardaway and text exchanges with ex-Tigers guard Alex Lomax, showing his deep ties to the Memphis basketball community.
As Wiseman continues his recovery and adapts to professional play, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he develops with the Indiana Pacers in the 2023-2024 season.
