**James Wiseman's Difficult Journey Continues with Achilles Injury**

James Wiseman's tenure with the Indiana Pacers has been cut dramatically short, as the 23-year-old big man sustained a significant injury during the first quarter of the Pacers' opening game against the Detroit Pistons. Diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, this latest injury adds to the unfortunate series of health setbacks that have hindered Wiseman's promising career.

The incident occurred when Wiseman, after taking a 3-point shot from the top of the key, appeared to awkwardly plant his left leg while backpedaling. Believing someone had made contact with him, he looked behind, only to discover that it was a non-contact injury. Struggling to walk, he required assistance from teammate Obi Toppin to limp off the court and was immediately taken to the locker room. Initial reports cited a calf injury, but further examinations confirmed the torn Achilles.

Wiseman, who was picked second overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, has faced numerous injury-related challenges. His rookie season was marred by knee and wrist issues, limiting him to just 39 games. The following season he was sidelined entirely due to a meniscus tear as Golden State clinched the NBA championship.

His career took another turn when he was traded midseason to the Detroit Pistons in 2023. With the Pistons, he saw more court time, playing in 63 games, the highest of his career thus far. However, as a new addition to the Pacers, Wiseman was expected to provide depth to the team as a backup to Myles Turner.

Now, Wiseman faces the harsh reality of another long recovery period. A career once filled with immense potential continues to be hampered by recurring injuries, leaving both the player and his supporters to wonder what could have been.