NBA Preview: How Will Injuries, Past and Present, Impact the Warriors and More…
Welcome to the *Six to Eight Weeks* Sports Medicine Podcast, where we bring you expert
insights on the latest in sports injuries and recovery! I’m Dr. Nirav Pandya, joined by my co-
hosts Dr. Brian Feeley and Dr. Drew Lansdowne. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s timely
for both the NFL and the upcoming NBA season: how age and injuries might shape the future of
key players and teams.
As we look ahead to the NBA season, preseason games are already underway. We’ve seen
LeBron and his son Bronny sharing the court, and Moses Moody just secured a three-year, $39
million contract extension. But the biggest questions on everyone’s mind are: how will injuries
and age affect the Golden State Warriors? With a mix of veteran players, younger talent, and
some players with injury histories, it’s going to be an interesting season.
Spotlight: Kyle Anderson and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
One of the first players we’re focusing on is Kyle Anderson. He’s had a great run defensively but
is dealing with a hip pointer. More intriguingly, Anderson had surgery for thoracic outlet
syndrome (TOS), a rare condition in the NBA. Drew, can you shed some light on TOS?
Dr. Drew Lansdown: Absolutely. TOS is when the nerves or blood vessels between the neck and
arm get compressed, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness. It’s not commonly seen,
which makes diagnosis tricky. However, once treated—usually by decompressing the area,
often through surgery—most athletes recover well, as we’ve seen with Anderson. Given his
successful surgery, there shouldn’t be any lingering issues.
The Unusual in Basketball: Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Brian, you’ve probably seen more of this condition in sports like baseball, right?
Dr. Brian Feeley: Yes, exactly. It’s more common in baseball, especially pitchers, where
repetitive motion can cause the compression. The best data on treating TOS actually comes
from Japan. There, surgeons will sometimes perform rib resections or muscle releases to relieve
the pressure, often with great success.
The Durability of Buddy Hield
Another interesting case is Buddy Hield, who’s known for being one of the most durable players
in the NBA. He’s played a remarkable number of games with very few injuries. Drew, what
makes certain players like Buddy seemingly injury-proof, while others, like Anthony Davis, often
find themselves sidelined?
Dr. Drew Lansdown: There’s definitely a combination of factors—good mechanics, dedicated
training, and, frankly, a bit of luck. Some players have the perfect mix of everything, while
others are just more susceptible to injuries. In Buddy’s case, it may be that his style of play
involves less physical contact, helping him avoid those freak injuries we see in other players.
Preventing Injuries with Mechanics
Brian, you’ve done research on injury risk based on movement mechanics. Are there certain
traits that help prevent injuries?
Dr. Brian Feeley: Definitely. When it comes to preventing injuries like ACL tears, core strength
and proper movement patterns are critical. Athletes with strong hip muscles and a well-
balanced posterior chain—meaning their hamstrings are as strong as their quads—are less
likely to suffer ACL injuries. Additionally, taller players, especially those over 6’8″, often deal
with foot issues, which can derail their careers if not managed carefully.
Draymond Green’s Back: Center Role Worries?
Speaking of larger players, let’s talk about Draymond Green, who might be playing more at
center this season. Given his history of back issues, should the Warriors be concerned about
him taking on this more physical role?
Dr. Drew Lansdown: Absolutely. Playing center means more physical contact and force, which
can increase the risk of fatigue and injuries. Monitoring his condition throughout the season will
be key.
Stress Injuries in the NBA
De’Anthony Melton’s lumbar spine stress response was another head-scratcher for fans last
season. Drew, can you explain what a lumbar spine stress response is?
Dr. Drew Lansdown: Essentially, it’s a precursor to a stress fracture. The bone shows signs of
stress and inflammation, which, if not treated, can lead to a more serious injury. It’s a condition
that needs rest and careful monitoring, as continued strain could result in more time off the
court.
Final Thoughts: Longevity in the NBA
Finally, as we discuss player health, we can’t ignore veterans like Steph Curry. He’s entering the
later stages of his career, and while he’s maintained a high level of play, the key question is:
how can older players like Steph stay healthy through long seasons? Is this a load management
issue?
Dr. Drew Lansdown: Maintaining strength, flexibility, and endurance is critical. And it’s
important to listen to your body—cutting back minutes or resting when necessary can prevent
long-term issues. For someone like Steph, who has been so durable, managing his workload is
essential.
That wraps up today’s episode. As always, stay tuned as we continue to break down the latest
sports injuries and recovery strategies throughout the NBA and NFL seasons. Don’t forget to
subscribe to *Six to Eight Weeks* on Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!
Thanks for listening, and we’ll catch you next time!
Previous NBA Links:
NBA 2024 Playoffs Podcast
Load Management
Chris Paul…a Warrior?