Former Toronto Raptors center Christian Koloko, who was waived by the team on Wednesday, is reportedly facing a blood clot issue that could threaten his playing career, The Athletic’s Shams Charania said during an appearance on The Rally on Thursday
Former Raptors center Christian Koloko has a blood clot issue that is threatening his basketball career, details on @TheRally: pic.twitter.com/ZpNV5FG9uJ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 18, 2024
The NBA informed teams on Thursday that Koloko was referred to the league’s Fitness-to-Play Panel. The panel is dedicated to determining whether players with potentially life-threatening injuries, illnesses, or other medical conditions are medically able and medically fit to practice and play in the NBA. Koloko can’t get back on an NBA court until he is cleared by panel.
However, there multiple teams interested in acquiring Koloko after his released from the Raptors on Wednesday, per Charania.
Koloko, who has not played yet this season due to what the team called a “respiratory issue”, was released as part of the trade that sent star forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.
Koloko was an early second-round draft pick last year out of Arizona. As a rookie, Koloko showed promise as a rim protector, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and one block per game in 58 appearances, including 19 starts.
Koloko is a native of Douala, Cameroon and didn’t move to the U.S. until 2017, when he was 17. He played his high school basketball at Sierra Canyon School in California, where LeBron James’ sons, Bronny and Bryce James, have also played.
Hope he gets well soon!
…Toronto is just trying to unload someone they know was injured by the non-vaccine “vaccines” mandated by The NBA. They want to unload him ASAP so as to “insulate” themselves from future lawsuits. They think… stupidly …that a future jury finding for 2 billion dollars will be aimed at The NBA and whomever owns this guys rights at the time of the suit. The reality is that if the poor guy lives through the consequences of his compliant personality and willingness to obey…the lawsuits will touch all the way through his career, post poisonous shot.