The Boston Celtics announced today that young forward Jeff Green miss the 2011-12 season after team doctors detected an aortic aneurysm during Green’s physical last week.
Green underwent additional testing and the Celtics team doctors have recommended surgery. The condition isn’t believed to be life or career threatening and the medical staff says that Green should be able to resume basketball activities in 2012-2013.
“While we are saddened that Jeff will not be able to play this season, the most important thing is his health, and we were fortunate to have access to an amazing team of specialists to evaluate Jeff’s case,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge. “The entire Celtics family supports Jeff during this difficult time in his career.”
Jeff Green was acquired last season by Boston in the infamous Kendrick Perkins trade that sent the beloved big man to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Green struggled last year in Beantown while struggling to find a position and his shot with a veteran Celtics squad.
His absense leaves a gaping hole in Boston’s bench this season, as Green was expected to provide much needed depth at swingman after signing a one-year, $9 million deal last week.