They say hindsight is 20/20, and in my case, that couldn’t be more true. Looking back, had I gotten a second opinion on my injured leg, I would have taken 3-6 weeks off, healed up, and continued my career. Instead, I made the mistake of trusting the team doctor, whose priority was the team’s success, not my health. Two and a half weeks after the initial injury, my leg snapped during a game—no contact, no collision, just me, jumping for a dunk. That moment changed my life.
Here’s what happened: I injured my leg in practice and immediately went to the team doctor, who assured me nothing was seriously wrong. X-rays came back negative, with the doctor diagnosing it as a deep bruise. So, like many of us do, I pushed through the pain. I kept practicing, running, and training because I didn’t want to let my team down or appear weak. I pushed myself to the limit, ignoring my gut feeling that something wasn’t right.
I was wrong.
After my leg broke, emergency surgery revealed that the original x-ray showed signs of a hairline fracture—something the doctor missed. If I had known to seek a second opinion, I would have avoided the injury that set my career back and caused me years of physical and mental pain.
Why a Second Opinion Matters
I’m sharing my story because I want to spare you the pain and frustration I endured. The truth is, as a young player—especially in a new country—you might not be familiar with how the medical system works, and you might feel isolated. But trust me, getting a second opinion can make all the difference in your career and your health.
Even if it costs you money out of pocket (which in many European countries it likely won’t), a second opinion is invaluable. Seek help from someone outside the team—someone who has your best interests in mind. Team doctors are often focused on getting players back on the court as quickly as possible, which isn’t always what’s best for your health.
Listen to Your Body
If I knew then what I know now, my life might have taken a different course. After my injury, it took years to fully recover—not just physically, but mentally. I’m not here to complain about the journey I’ve had, but I do want to help you avoid a similar fate.
Your body is your most valuable asset. It’s your livelihood, so you must protect it at all costs. Don’t try to be a hero by playing through pain, and don’t put the team’s needs above your own health. If you feel something isn’t right, trust yourself and get that second opinion.
Keep Your Agent in the Loop
If you have an agent, keep them informed about any concerns or injuries. It’s their job to advocate for you and to communicate with the team on your behalf. If there are any conflicts, your agent should step in and make sure your interests are protected.
If you don’t have an agent, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Reach out to someone who knows the landscape and can offer you advice—you can always ask me. Teams may say they have your best interests at heart, but when push comes to shove, their priority is the team’s success. You have to be the one to advocate for yourself.
Take Control of Your Health
If you’re ever in doubt after an injury, please do yourself a favor—get a second opinion. Don’t try to push through the pain or be the “tough guy” for the team. Your health, performance, and career depend on it. Force the medical staff to do what’s necessary for your well-being, not just for the team’s success.
I hope this post can help someone avoid the mistakes I made. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action. Protect yourself, listen to your body, and make your health your top priority.
Need advice or guidance on navigating the world of overseas basketball? I’m here to help. Contact SJM Consulting today to make sure you’re making the best decisions for your health, your career, and your future.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and keep playing smart!