Celtics’ Jeff Green Out For Season
Just four days ago, Jeff Green of the Boston Celtics indicated he would be cleared to join his teammates on the practice court very soon.
By way of explanation regarding the delay, he was quoted as saying at that time: “I guess it was because I was kind of fatigued because I had a late day Thursday trying to get everything done and come in here. I didn’t sleep, my flight got delayed four hours. Got in here and had to do a physical, stress test. I think it was just fatigue.”
He even added that the issue was not heart-related.
Sadly, the Celtics announced today that Green will miss the entire 2011-12 NBA season due to a heart ailment.
He will have surgery on January 9th, 2012, to repair an aortic aneurysm that was discovered during a routine physical exam about one week ago. A quick internet search reveals surgery is usually suggested for this type of condition due to the risk of rupture.
Once completely repaired – as is expected by the surgery – Green should be able to resume his basketball career. He is expected to return for the 2012-13 season.
The team has been rather vague in explaining why Green was not participating in training camp. Celtics president of basketball operations, Danny Ainge, would not specifically comment; coach Doc Rivers called the undisclosed medical condition a “big concern”, and at Friday’s scrimmage, he was downright grim on the subject.
The news comes as quite a shock given the fact Green has been nothing but healthy during his career. He missed only six games in his three-year stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and played 75 games last season between both OKC and Boston. He has appeared in a total of 315 games playing a career-average 33.6 minutes per game. He played 102 games in three years at Georgetown, averaging 33.2 mpg.
Obviously Green’s health is of paramount importance, and the team is grateful his condition was detected by cardiologists in, apparently, the early stages.
Green took to Twitter earlier today with this message: “Thank u everyone for ur thoughts and prayers…much appreciated love u all..and I’ll be back soon stronger and better than ever I promise.”
Comments from well-wishers to Green have lit up the Twitter board.
Boston signed Green to a one-year $9 million contract just last week. They are expected to void the contract based on his failed physical; they do retain rights to him upon return.
Going into the new shortened season, he was set in a backup role to small forward Paul Pierce; now the team is expected to call upon Sasha Pavlovic and Marquis Daniels. Just-signed rookie JaJuan Johnson may receive minutes as well. Already over the salary cap, Boston may dip into the pool of veteran’s minimum-type players – James Posey or DeShawn Stevenson? – instead, they will probably just carry on with the present roster.
Get well soon, Uncle Jeff!
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