Poirier leaves Anadolu Efes after tearing his Achilles

The Anadolu Efes, a Turkish team in the EuroLeague, officially announced the departure of Vincent Poirier on Monday, following a severe injury he sustained during the first game of the Turkish Basketball Super League Sigorta finals against Fenerbahçe Beko. The 2.13-meter French center suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, requiring immediate surgical intervention that will keep him off the court well into next year.

The Anadolu Efes management chose a mutually agreed separation to restructure their interior player rotation and adapt the team to a new sporting reality. Due to Poirier's extended recovery period, both parties agreed to end the relationship that the Frenchman had with the Istanbul-based club since June 2024.

Two seasons marked by contrast

Vincent Poirier's tenure at Anadolu Efes began with high expectations following his arrival from Real Madrid. His first year in the EuroLeague was highly successful, establishing him as a top-tier defensive pillar in the continental competition. During that debut season, the Frenchman led the EuroLeague in blocks with an average of 1.3 per game, contributing 9.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He also played a vital role in Anadolu Efes' victory in the 2024 Turkish Presidential Cup, underscoring his significance to the project.

However, his second season in Istanbul unfolded under a starkly different sign. Physical issues plagued him from the start of the season. A serious knee injury suffered during national team training forced him into surgery, sidelining him for four months. This absence also prevented his participation in the 2025 FIBA EuroBasket, a significant tournament on the international calendar.

Truncated comeback and a new setback

Upon his return midway through the season, Poirier played 14 EuroLeague games, averaging 8.0 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, indicating the challenges he faced in his physical recovery. These figures were well below his debut season, suggesting that the player had not fully regained his competitive level post-knee injury.

The final blow came during the Turkish Super League semifinals when he suffered the Achilles tendon rupture, leading to his exit from the club. This injury, considered one of the most severe in professional basketball, necessitated immediate surgical intervention, condemning the Frenchman to a rehabilitation period of eight to nine months. The extent of the injury made it unfeasible for him to remain linked with Anadolu Efes for the upcoming season.

A career defined by defensive prowess

Vincent Poirier's professional trajectory reflects the dedication of a player specialized in defensive play and paint work. Hailing from Clamart, he has made 227 appearances in the EuroLeague, showcasing his enduring presence in the top-level continental competition. His spell with Real Madrid saw him clinch a title in 2023, adding to his achievements in Istanbul.

The Frenchman also briefly ventured into the NBA between 2019 and his subsequent return to Europe, featuring in 32 games split between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, where he failed to secure a regular role. His decision to return to European basketball aimed at seeking more playing time opportunities, an aspiration that seemed fully met during his first year at Anadolu Efes.

Anadolu Efes, through a statement on social media, expressed gratitude to the player for his contributions over the two years of association, wishing him success in his professional future. The separation marks the end of a chapter that began with promises of defensive consolidation and concludes with the uncertainty of an extended recovery post a severe injury.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Poirier abandona el Anadolu Efes tras romperse el Aquiles