Is the Modern NBA Breaking Its Stars? (Data between style of play and leg injuries)
Despite the provocative title, this is a thoughtful exploration by Kirk Goldsberry of the data over time examining style of play and soft tissue leg injuries.
"Is the Modern NBA Breaking Its Stars? An increasing number of players are missing a growing share of games with soft-tissue leg injuries. Why is this happening? And what can the league do about it?"
I thought this quote by Ron Adams, Golden State Warriors assistant coach, was particularly intriguing: "Basketball used to be a two-footed sport,” Adams said. The room locked in. “If you ever watched a John Wooden practice, it was always the same: get to the paint and play off of two feet. Nowadays, the game is a one-footed sport. Most players are making every move off of one foot.”
https://www.theringer.com/2026/05/14/nba/nba-injuries-leg-calf-hamstring-achilles-data