Celtics’ Jeff Green to have surgery for aortic aneurysm – Los Angeles Times
Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green will have surgery for an aortic aneurysm and will sit out this season, the team said Saturday.
Green is scheduled for an operation Monday at the Cleveland Clinic. Doctors have told him the operation “should completely repair Green’s condition and that he can expect to resume his NBA career next season,” the Celtics said.
If so, the timing of his training camp physical — and the end of the NBA lockout — might have saved Green’s life and helped the Celtics avert a tragedy similar to the 1993 death of Reggie Lewis, who collapsed and died on a practice court of a heart condition.
“While we are saddened that Jeff will not be able to play this season, the most important thing is his health,” Celtics President Danny Ainge said. “We were fortunate to have access to an amazing team of specialists to evaluate Jeff’s case.”
The team said it would have no more comment, at Green’s request. But Green said on Twitter on Saturday afternoon: “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.”
Green, 25, averaged 9.8 points and 3.3 rebounds last season after joining the Celtics in a trade that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
An aortic aneurysm, which is more common in older people, is a ballooning of the wall of the aorta, the major artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A person may show no symptoms from the aneurysm; but if it ruptures, it is likely to be fatal if not repaired immediately.
The team’s statement said Green’s aneurysm was detected during his physical after he reported for a training camp Dec. 9.
Stuckey staying with Pistons
The Detroit Pistons signed guard Rodney Stuckey, a restricted free agent, to a new contract. A person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press it is worth $25 million over three years. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team did not announce contract terms.
The Detroit News first reported the agreement.
Stuckey has averaged 13.6 points and 4.5 assists over his four-year career with the Pistons. He averaged a team-high 15.5 points in 2010-11.