# Mike James Achilles injury and Anadolu Efes response

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mike-james-achilles-injury-during-euroleague-match
> Updated: 2026-10-01T20:07:27.000Z. Sources: 64. Developments: 2.

During a EuroLeague match in Belgrade, Anadolu Efes player Mike James suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury in the third quarter while playing against Crvena zvezda. James was forced to leave the court on a stretcher after sustaining the injury without contact from an opponent.

Crvena zvezda won the match 77-72, capitalizing on defensive pressure to force 17 turnovers. Key performers for Zvezda included Chima Moneke with 18 points and Ognjen Dobrić with 10 points and 7 rebounds. Efes head coach Pablo Laso described the situation as a major blow to the team.

Anadolu Efes confirmed that James underwent successful reconstructive surgery in Turkey, performed by Dr. Kerem Ülkü. Medical assessments indicate that the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer will be sidelined for an estimated seven to nine months, effectively ending his participation in the current EuroLeague season. James previously expressed his distress on social media, describing the injury as ‘fucking awful’.

In response to the loss of their primary playmaker and leading scorer, Anadolu Efes has officially signed 32-year-old American guard Cameron Payne. Payne, a former NBA player who also played for Partizan last season, has signed a contract through the end of the 2026-27 season to bolster the team's perimeter rotation as they continue their domestic and international campaigns.

## Claims

- Anadolu Efes has signed Cameron Payne. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cameron Payne signed a contract through the end of the 2026-2027 season. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mike James suffered an Achilles tendon rupture. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cameron Payne previously played for Partizan in the EuroLeague. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Cameron Payne is 32 years old. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mike James underwent surgery to repair his Achilles tendon. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mike James is expected to be out of action for 7 to 9 months depending on his recovery. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The injury occurred during a EuroLeague game against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade without contact from an opponent. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mike James had recorded 11 points and 3 assists prior to his injury. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Crvena Zvezda defeated Anadolu Efes 77-72. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mike James is expected to be sidelined for seven to nine months. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Associate Professor Dr. Kerem Ülkü performed the surgery. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Anadolu Efes signs Cameron Payne following Mike James injury

Anadolu Efes guard Mike James is out for 7-9 months following Achilles tendon surgery. The club has signed former NBA player Cameron Payne to replace him for the remainder of the season.

24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-james-suffers-achilles-tendon-injury-during-euroleague-match

### 2026-09-29: Crvena zvezda defeats Anadolu Efes as Mike James suffers severe injury

Crvena zvezda defeated Anadolu Efes 77-72 in EuroLeague play, a game overshadowed by a season-ending Achilles injury to Efes star Mike James.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hapoel-tel-aviv-defeats-crvena-zvezda-81-80-in-euroleague

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Cite as: Mike James Achilles injury and Anadolu Efes response. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mike-james-achilles-injury-during-euroleague-match