Zach LaVine was having the most productive season of his career before tearing his ACL and being ruled out for the remainder of the year. While leading the league in minutes he also averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting 45.9% from the field and 38.7% from three-point range.
In an NBPA Q&A, Zach LaVine talked about how unexpected the ACL tear was to him, considering he played for 6 more minutes before coming out.
NBPA: Many people think that when you tear your ACL, you immediately can’t put any weight on your leg. But you played on it for another six minutes that night. Is that crazy to you?
ZL: I didn’t even know it. I just thought I like bumped my knee a little bit.
NBPA: Have you watched the game since to see what you were able to do?
ZL: Yeah, I’ve watched that a lot. I got a rebound, an assist. I thought I hyperextended my knee and I couldn’t really explode off of it, but I thought that would just come back with running and stuff like that. But it hurt. I feel like I’m a pretty mentally tough kid. I’ve been through injuries. I didn’t want to come out of the game.
At that point in the game, I had [20 points] halfway through the third quarter, too, so I’m, like, “Yeah, I’m definitely not coming out. I think I can get 35, 40 if I keep playing [laughs].” And then I did a little shifting and it didn’t feel good, and that’s why I was, like, “I might have to go to the back and check this out.” And I got the terrible news, but it’s sports. You’ve just got to deal with it. I’m all good.
Hopefully, he is able to return to his high flying ways next season, as ACL procedures have become much more advanced than in the past. If he plays to expectations, be prepared for a good year in Minnesota.
