Brandon Ingram to Miss Start of Clippers Season Following Achilles Surgery.
LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Clippers forward Brandon Ingram will miss the beginning of the 2026-27 NBA season while recovering from surgery involving a right heel injury and a partially torn Achilles tendon. Clippers interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden revealed Monday during the team's media day that doctors identified the Achilles injury while Ingram was undergoing surgery on his heel in May. The Achilles issue had not previously been disclosed. The 29-year-old Ingram does not have a set return date. Redden said recovery from a partial Achilles tear is generally shorter than recovery from a complete tear, estimating the difference at roughly six months. Ingram sustained the heel injury while playing for the Toronto Raptors and was unavailable for the final two games of Toronto's first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He subsequently underwent surgery.
The Clippers acquired Ingram and guard Gradey Dick from the Raptors earlier this month in the trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to Toronto. Redden said the Clippers gained a clearer understanding of Ingram's recovery once he joined the organization. Ingram described his rehabilitation as a week-to-week process. He said he expects to have a limited role during training camp but plans to spend some time on the court.
"I'm doing well in my recovery," Ingram said. "I'm coming along. I've been in the facility for a little more than a month now. Getting on the court a little bit and getting stronger." Ingram said he dealt with pain during the previous season, particularly late in games, before the source of the problem was identified. The two-time All-Star averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game for Toronto last season. When healthy, he is expected to become one of the Clippers' primary offensive options. Clippers guard Darius Garland said the team's pick-and-roll game with Ingram could become a major part of the offense once he returns. The Clippers are also dealing with an injury to guard Bradley Beal. Redden said Beal is experiencing inflammation in his right knee after undergoing surgery on his left hip and will not be available when training camp begins. Ingram is scheduled to earn $40 million during the 2026-27 season and has a $41.9 million player option for 2027-28.
