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Ex-Lakers Star Nick Van Exel Points Finger at Basketball Shoes For Rash of NBA Injuries
Nick Van Exel had a warning on Tuesday.
Former Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks point guard Nick Van Exel played 13 seasons in the NBA, during which he became one of the quickest and most explosive scoring and passing guards in the league.
Van Exel quietly finished his career with one-year stints in Golden State, Portland and San Antonio as he wrapped things up with a 14.4 points per game scoring average, his best scoring season coming in 2001-02 when he scored 21.4 points per game with the Denver Nuggets.
On Tuesday, Van Exel let loose with comments on what he characterized as a rise in Achilles injuries in the NBA, including a direct and unmistakable message for today's players.
"There have been Achilles tears throughout the years but my thoughts on them is that they happen more now and I think it has something to do with them dam lows the players wear nowadays," Van Exel said about low top shoes in the NBA.
"Cover them ankles up fellas," the former Lakers great added.
The post was viewed over 520,000 times as of Wednesday morning following a full slate of NBA Playoffs action.
Fans reacted in the comments section, with one saying that they never saw NBA legends have Achilles injuries in high top Converse shoes back in the day.
Ive never seen Wilt, Russell, Magic, or Bird tear an Achilles in them high top Converse shoes ????
You might be on to something unk! @vanexel31pic.twitter.com/Dw9dGfGCae— @Fastblackkid™ ???? (@Reggie_FBK) May 14, 2025
"I really think it's a part of it. Been saying it for years," Van Exel added.
I really believe it’s a part of it. Been saying it for years. It’s been happening to much over the past 5-7 yrs and all players are wearing lows. I don’t even know how you hoop in lows.— Nick Van Exel (@vanexel31) May 13, 2025
Former Illinois and New Jersey Nets star Kendall Gill agreed with 'Nick the Quick.'
Agreed Nick! A lot of games missed because of far more frequent ankle sprains. High Tops only! ✊????— Kendall Gill (@KendallG13) May 13, 2025
"Do they even wear high tops now? Everything is a mid or low," another fan added in the comments.
Do they even make high tops anymore? Everything is a mid or a low— PENXV Fich Nernando (@AndrewLalusis) May 13, 2025
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