5 NBA players hit with ACL injuries ahead of 2025-26 season with Fred VanVleet as latest victim

5 NBA players hit with ACL injuries ahead of 2025-26 season with Fred VanVleet as latest victim
5 NBA players hit with ACL injuries ahead of 2025-26 season with Fred VanVleet as latest victim - Images via IMAGN

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet reportedly suffered a torn ACL on Monday. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the former champion might miss the 2025-26 season due to the injury.

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VanVleet tore his ACL while participating in the Rockets' minicamp in the Bahamas, according to Yahoo! Sports' Kelly Iko, and is expected to undergo surgery this week. He becomes the latest player to fall prey to an ACL injury, which has a long recovery time.

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Let’s take a closer look at other NBA players who have been victims of an ACL injury.

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5 NBA players hit with ACL injuries ahead of 2025-26 season

#1. Kyrie Irving (Dallas Mavericks)

Kyrie Irving suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last season. He has undergone surgery and is currently undergoing rehab.

Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) is helped off the court by forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) is helped off the court by forward Anthony Davis (3) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings - Source: Imagn

Irving is expected to miss the start of the new NBA season, and he could return around January if his recovery goes well.

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#2. Grant Williams (Charlotte Hornets)

Another victim of a torn ACL is Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams. He tore his right ACL and meniscus in November 2024, which ended his 2024-25 season.

Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2), who is recovering from his ACL repair, is seen during pre game warm ups - Source: Imagn
Charlotte Hornets forward Grant Williams (2), who is recovering from his ACL repair, is seen during pre game warm ups - Source: Imagn

He is still in rehab and in a return-to-play process as training camp approaches. Team sources have indicated that he won’t be available immediately for early-season rotation.

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#3. Saddiq Bey

New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey missed last season as a result of a torn left ACL he sustained in March 2024. However, Bey has completed rehab and is expected to be available for Opening Night of the 2025-26 NBA season. He is currently listed as day-to-day.

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If cleared, Bey could reclaim a rotation role.


#4. Thomas Sorber (OKC Thunder)

OKC Thunder rookie Thomas Sorber’s start to life in the league isn’t going as planned. He reportedly tore the ACL in his right knee during a team workout.

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The Thunder announced that he will miss the entire 2025-26 NBA season while recovering from surgery. His absence will force the defending champions to seek alternatives as the new season approaches.


#5. Moritz Wagner

Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner suffered an ACL injury in his left knee in December 2024. The former Michigan Wolverines star is reportedly expected to miss a substantial portion of the 2025-26 NBA season as he recovers from the injury.

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He is currently listed as day-to-day, but according to most reports, the consensus is an extended absence. The Magic will aim to manage his return conservatively.

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Edited by Ubong Richard
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