# Mike James Achilles rupture confirmed, season likely over

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mike-james-transfer-to-anadolu-efes
> Updated: 2026-09-17T05:03:16.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Mike James, the EuroLeague’s all-time leading scorer and 2024 MVP, transferred from AS Monaco to the Turkish club Anadolu Efes to join a rebuilding project led by head coach Pablo Laso.

His tenure has been severely impacted by a major injury sustained during a EuroLeague match against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade. After being carried off the court on a stretcher during the third quarter, medical examinations have now confirmed a rupture of the Achilles tendon. The injury is expected to end James’s season.

Prior to the injury, James had been in excellent form, recently scoring 22 points against Barcelona. Following the diagnosis, James expressed his frustration on social media, stating, “Well, c…o… What a disgusting situation!”

The injury represents a significant blow to Anadolu Efes’s efforts to improve upon their previous 19th-place EuroLeague finish. During the incident in Belgrade, players from both teams and the crowd at the Belgrade Arena showed respect by applauding the veteran as he was removed from the court.

## Claims

- Olympiacos defeated Zalgiris Kaunas 93-91 (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Evan Fournier scored 19 points (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Sasha Vezenkov scored 18 points and 8 rebounds (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Gianni Motero scored 15 points and had 7 assists (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Tyler Dorsey scored 10 points (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Tyson Ward scored 10 points (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Zalgiris player Brown scored 20 points (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Olympiacos achieved a 2-0 record in the EuroLeague (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The injury occurred during the third quarter of a EuroLeague game against Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mike James was carried off the court on a stretcher. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Two days prior to the injury, Mike James posted on social media expressing a desire to play more games despite a dense schedule. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mike James sustained a serious Achilles tendon injury. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Mike James explains decision to join Anadolu Efes

EuroLeague star Mike James explains his move to Anadolu Efes, citing coach Pablo Laso's vision and the opportunity to win titles as key motivators for the high-profile transfer.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-james-explains-decision-to-join-anadolu-efes

### 2026-09-14: Mike James joins Anadolu Efes following transfer from Monaco

EuroLeague MVP Mike James has joined Anadolu Efes from AS Monaco, citing the club's vision and roster versatility as primary reasons for his move to the Turkish team.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-james-expresses-excitement-joining-anadolu-efes

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Cite as: Mike James Achilles rupture confirmed, season likely over. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mike-james-transfer-to-anadolu-efes