Open Extended ReactionsFor the second time in as many weeks, an NBA star has collapsed to the floor because his Achilles tendon ruptured. The demands on the Achilles tendons of an NBA athlete are high because of the repetitive jumping, running and push-off/pivot maneuvers required. This timeline may not always be feasible, but it is generally accepted in the sports medicine community that it is best to avoid delays to optimize healing of the Achilles tendon. Most athletes who return from an Achilles tendon repair report not fully regaining their explosiveness until their second season of competition. Notably, O'Malley performed Kevin Durant's Achilles repair in 2019.