The rise of the stepback three-pointer may be contributing to the NBA’s growing soft-tissue injury problem.
Several of the league’s biggest stars associated with heavy stepback usage have suffered major leg injuries in recent years, including Jayson Tatum, Damian Lillard, and Luka Doncic.
Tatum attempted only 11 stepback threes during his rookie season in 2017-18. By 2024-25, that number had risen to 251.
Only five players have attempted more than 1,000 career stepback threes since tracking began in 2013-14: James Harden, Doncic, Stephen Curry, Tatum, and Lillard.
Both Tatum and Lillard later suffered Achilles tears, while Doncic has dealt with multiple calf strains over recent seasons.
NBA Soft-Tissue Injuries Have Surged As Players Try To Keep Up With Demands Of Modern Game https://t.co/QGr1ORWCPE
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 14, 2026
