Veteran Jazz forward Joe Ingles will turn 35 later this year and is preparing to undergo surgery to repair a torn ACL in his left knee, but he’s not contemplating the possibility of retirement. Ingles told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that there’s “literally no doubt” that he’ll make an NBA comeback after recovering from his ACL tear.
“I know probably everybody says that when they’re going through this,” Ingles said. “A few days post-injury, people might think I’m a little bit crazy. But you look at people who have been through this. The MRI was a little bit of a win, I guess, with it just being my ACL.”
As Ingles notes, while a torn ACL isn’t an easy injury to come back from, he didn’t suffer further structural damage in that knee, such as an MCL tear. The 34-year-old also pointed out that the injury may not affect him as significantly as it would if he were a player who relied more on quickness and explosiveness.
“Then the other part of it — and we joke about it — is my game,” Ingles told ESPN. “My game has never been based on athleticism, above the rim, or anything like that. I’m not writing off what this surgery is and what the rehab looks like, but everyone around the league knows how I play and what I can do.”
Ingles joked that the reactions to his injury on social media made it sound like he was “dead” or “dying.” He told MacMahon that he remains “very, very confident” in his ability to continue playing in the NBA.
Although Ingles is optimistic about eventually returning to the court, there’s no guarantee it will happen for the Jazz. His contract with the team expires this offseason, and his $13MM+ cap hit will make him a candidate to be traded as a salary-matching piece if Utah makes a deadline deal.
“If I’m able to get someone back that would help them make a push for the end of the year, I understand that,” Ingles told MacMahon. “I’m not going to sit here and be sour and upset. I’ve built my eight years here of hard work and in the community and all that stuff, but I’m very well aware of the business side and all that.”
Theoretically, Ingles could return to the Jazz as a free agent next season even if he’s traded at this year’s deadline. His injury recovery will likely extend into the 2022/23 season, complicating his free agency, but he tells ESPN he has “good relationships” with the franchise and will see what happens after his contract expires.
100% not dying
90% returns to NBA… having a flexible game that does not require a supple knee
I’m glad Joe is optimistic about coming back. But on paper it doesn’t look good.
He’ll be 35 next October yet it will take a full calendar year just to step on the floor. I don’t believe next January or February that a team will take him on and integrate him into the lineup while he ramps up his game and attempts a comeback.
I think it will take those few months plus the summer to get ready for his age 36 season, at which point he’ll be out a year and a half. Just thinking out loud and with all respect to Joe Ingles and what he’s done, I don’t think he’ll play in the NBA again.
Another thought is that for some reason his numbers really dipped this year compared to last. Not sure why.., perhaps he had a lingering injury hanging around and affecting his game? But all respect to Joe Ingles, the Aussie goat. Rooting for him.
He’ll be back even if it’s just to sit in the corner and knock a couple 3’s. Utah will try to trade his contract then like the article suggests resign him to a new contract probably at the minimum.
Could see the Jazz pulling a Mario Chalmers. Waive/trade him then let him use their facilities for rehab. Sign him at the minimum next year on a show + prove contract. I think he’ll come back just to show he can, play for one more year in nba and then go back home.
That’s my hope
Since his career began 8 years ago in Utah, Joe has been my favorite player!
Wishing him all the best and hoping it will be here in Utah next season!!
He’ll be back. I guarantee it!
What a guy JI is. Absolute fan, I even own the jersey ;)
Saying that, glad he’s gone of the lineup this season – too static of an offense with all the ‘white-man-can’t-jump’ on the floor.
Also too much talent wasted on the bench.