NBA News: Anthony Mason 3rd NBA Vet to Pass in 10 Days

NBA News: Anthony Mason is Third NBA Vet to Pass in 10 Days

Tough Week of Injuries and Loss of NBA Greats:

The week started out on shaky ground with news Chris Bosh would miss the season due to clots on his lungs making the Miami Heat’s chances to return the finals virtually impossible. Fortunately for the Heat’s big man the team doctors were able to act quickly to get him into the hospital diagnosed and on his way to recovery.

It does highlight though the sudden prominence of injuries like this becoming more prominent league wide. Makes you wonder if all the travel the players do contributes to this illness.

Earlier this season Brooklyn Net player Mirza Teletovic was diagnosed with the same illness (blood clots on his lungs) and will also miss the season.

Going back a season Anderson Varejao also suffered from this affliction as have athletes in other sports. The prognosis when they catch this issue early is generally positive though the Heat will need to soldier on in his absence with nearly acquired Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade carrying the load.

Another Shocking Knee Injury to Rose:

Just as we were processing the fact Bosh would be lost for the season, news surfaced Derrick Rose had suffered another knee injury which required surgery. He had torn the meniscus in his right knee again; this the same knee and same injury that kept him out most of last season. Following surgery Friday to repair the meniscus the Chicago Bull’s announced this injury was not as severe and required more of a “clean up” removing a piece of the meniscus which was causing Rose’s pain and swelling. Initial reports are that Rose will only be out for 4 to 6 weeks, but given the point guards history of taking longer to recover it’s understandable why Bulls’ fans and teammates are hopeful but expect to move forward with the goal of playing without Rose:

Rose was out for 99 games following the torn ACL on his left knee sustained in the playoffs (April 2012)
Rose missed 77 games last season when he tore the meniscus in his right knee (November, 2013)
Projections are he’ll miss 4 – 6 weeks with this current injury (torn meniscus/less severe, in his right knee) which if accurate would find him returning just in time for the post season

Loss of 3 Previous NBA Players:

Jerome Kersey: On the heels of the Chris Bosh illness news that Portland Trailblazer great Jerome Kersey had died was met with surprise and shock. Known to be an ambassador of the sport and well loved in the NBA circles, his passing at 52 was far too young. He played 11 seasons of his 17 seasons in Portland and still worked with the organization as a beloved figure to young and old alike. With this news coming at the end of the All-Star break Portland had little time prior to their first game to prepare, however they paid homage via a touching pregame tribute:

Earl Lloyd: The passing of Earl Lloyd this week was met with sadness from all in the NBA and in the sporting world. Lloyd was the first African American player to don a jersey in the NBA and was considered to be one of the classiest and graceful pioneers of the sport. Several tributes ran on NBA TV with veterans, Hall of Fame players and the current group of NBAer’s remarking on his effect to their game and opportunity in the sport. Lloyd was 86. The Inside the NBA panel talked about Lloyd touching on his career and what the legend meant to each of them. Lloyd was 86 years old and as Kenny Smith pointed out perhaps his greatest feat was changing the NBA landscape to be one of removing the words he can play for a white guy or African American to be just “he can play”.

Anthony Mason: Sad news today capped the loss of the third previous NBA player when we heard Anthony Mason had passed away at the age of 48. Mason had been in the hospital following a massive heart attack and was only 48 years old. Some people may recall Mason’s size and dunking ability as he patrolled the front court over 13 seasons mostly with New York. Mason is best known for winning Sixth Man of the Year in 1994 and helping to lead the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Title.

We at Space City Scoop extend our condolences to Earl Lloyd, Jerome Kersey and Anthony Mason’s families and fans. May they rest in peace.

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NBA News: Anthony Mason 3rd NBA Vet to Pass in 10 Days

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