Brandon Ingram, a forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, is dealing with a partial Achilles tendon tear that will sideline him for the beginning of the upcoming season.
During the Clippers’ media day on Monday, interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden shared the update with journalists. While there is no definitive timeline for Ingram’s return, Redden noted that recovering from a partial tear typically requires approximately six months less rehabilitation than a complete rupture.
“He is going to miss the opening of the season,” Redden explained, as reported by Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo Sports. “Once we reach that point, we will reassess his condition.”
Los Angeles landed Ingram as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Toronto Raptors. Along with Ingram, the Clippers obtained Gradey Dick, unprotected first-round draft selections in 2031 and 2033, and pick swapping rights.
Brandon Ingram was brought to Los Angeles in the blockbuster deal that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors.
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / REUTERS)
Although the clubs originally agreed to the transaction in June, it was paused while the NBA investigated whether the Clippers violated salary cap rules in their negotiations with Leonard. Following the resolution of the league’s probe, the franchise finalized the trade on Sept. 14.
According to Redden, the partial Achilles tear was identified before the trade occurred, specifically during a May surgical procedure on Ingram’s heel. Surgeons addressed both issues simultaneously during that operation.
The 29-year-old Ingram has earned two All-Star selections, securing his latest nod last year with Toronto. Over the course of the previous season, he delivered averages of 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks per contest, converting 47.7% of his field goals and 38.2% of his three-pointers.
During Monday’s media session, he was spotted walking around comfortably without any visible difficulties.
In the wake of Leonard’s departure, Ingram was expected to serve as a primary offensive weapon for the Clippers, partnering with point guard Darius Garland.
As a result, the Clippers will kick off their campaign understaffed, launching a fresh chapter following the NBA’s inquiry, which brought heavy penalties down on the franchise—most notably the forfeiture of five straight first-round draft picks spanning from 2029 to 2033.
Los Angeles will play its season opener at home on Oct. 21, hosting the Sacramento Kings.
