Kevin McHale: Broken Foot
On March 11, in a game against the Phoenix Suns, Celtic’s power forward Kevin McHale was stepped on, resulting in a broken navicular in his right foot. The injury set the stage for his impressive display of toughness as he continued to play through the injury during the 1987 NBA playoffs. Despite the recommendation for surgery, which would have sidelined him for at least a month, McHale chose to continue playing, contributing to the Boston Celtics' playoff run. Because the team's physician couldn't definitively advise against playing, the seven-time All-Star opted to compete in 21 of the 23 postseason games, even with a potentially career-ending injury.
Why Did He Continue Playing?
McHale expressed the desire for championships: "I played [for] 13 years and I won three. There’s so many things that happen that you have to be lucky, and injuries are part of the unluckiness." Highlighting the bond formed on the way to a championship, McHale states, "You’re part of something really big, and it’s so hard to win a championship." He emphasized the internal drive of players, saying, "I was going to tell myself if I could or could not play. I never felt any external pressure [from others]."
What Did He Think When He Was Injured?
McHale discussed the mindset of players feeling somewhat invincible due to past successes: "Looking back on it now a long time ago, you do get that feeling you’re indestructible." McHale acknowledged. Besides this, McHale also addressed the changing landscape of basketball, including the increased accessibility of medical treatment.
Before the technology and medical advancements were available, doctors were just “ trying to figure out why my foot was killing [him].” At that moment, McHale didn’t know he had a stress fracture. By the time doctors found out, he had already played on it for a month in the season, and was already in the playoffs, stating “It had hurt a lot, but I thought I could get through it.”
Doctor’s Advice and Treatment
McHale had intense, persistent foot pain, facing the need for extensive therapy and possible surgery, according to Dr. Silva. Silva acknowledged the risk of furthering the damage if McHale continued to play. Despite concerns, McHale remains resolute in his decision to play, expressing optimism that the situation won't deteriorate further. Dr. Silva acknowledges McHale's commitment but emphasizes the serious nature of the problem and the expected considerable rehabilitation ahead.
Nine days after the end of the 1987 NBA season, McHale finally underwent surgery to fix his foot. The procedure involved the removal of bone spurs from his right ankle and the insertion of a screw into the broken navicular bone in his right foot. McHale was placed in a cast for 8-12 weeks after the surgery, leaving it uncertain if he would return in time for the 87-88 season.
Conclusion
Despite the risks, McHale displayed powerful internal motivation that drives players to push through injuries to experience the joy of winning a championship: "He had an unbelievable desire to get out there and play and be a part of something so special and so huge. He wanted that feeling again of raising that championship trophy.
Sources
“Celtics’ McHale Undergoes Surgery, Might Be Ready for Start of next Season.” Los Angeles Times, 23 June 1987, www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-06-23-sp-10158-story.html. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
Dizon, Orel. “Kevin McHale Played an Entire NBA Playoffs on a Broken Foot.” “I’m Going to Continue to Play on It” - Kevin McHale Played an Entire NBA Postseason on a Broken Foot, 25 June 2023, www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/kevin-mchale-played-an-entire-nba-postseason-on-a-broken-foot. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
Horne, Erik. “NBA Q&A: Hall of Famer Kevin McHale on Kevin Durant, Playing through Injury, and Pressure.” The Oklahoman, Oklahoman, 15 June 2019, www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2019/06/15/nba-qa-hall-of-famer-kevin-mchale-on-kevin-durant-playing-through-injury-pressure-from-the-outside/60450412007/. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.
Johnson, Roy S. “Celtics Hobbled by McHale’s Injuries.” The New York Times, 4 June 1987, www.nytimes.com/1987/06/04/sports/celtics-hobbled-by-mchale-s-injuries.html. Accessed 25 Feb. 2024.