Alex Len's NBA Hopes Dashed After Ankle Surgery

Former Maryland center Alex Len had declared less than three weeks ago his intentions for the NBA Draft.

He will now have to wait more than six months to play basketball again after undergoing surgery on his left ankle.
Len will miss all pre-draft workouts leading up to the June 27th NBA Draft at Brooklyn's Barclay Center. His surgery was announced by Sports International Group of Gaithersburg, which represents the 7-foot-1 player. Len's surgery to stabilize a partial stress fracture in his left ankle was performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte. He was diagnosed with a stress fracture after the end of the season and after he declared for the draft on April 15th. Several other 7-feet and taller NBA players have had their careers cut short by stress fractures, including Yao Ming, Bill Walton, and Sam Bowie.
"This was a preventative measure," said Dr. Anderson in a statement. "Although it is possible that this injury could have healed on its own, surgery was felt to be the safest and surest option to ensure a long and successful NBA career for Alex. His prognosis is excellent, and I anticipate he'll make a full return to basketball within the next few months."
"I decided that surgery was the best long-term option for my career," said Len, who is from the Ukraine. "I didn't want to risk it not healing properly. I want to make sure I'm fully healthy and ready for training camp."
Len's agent Michael Lelchitski, said, "The tough part about Alex's injury is the timing. "Everyone who knows Alex knows he would have been incredible in the pre-draft workout setting. However, Alex is one of the elite prospects with arguably the biggest upside of anyone in the draft. The most important thing is his long-term health."
Len averaged 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks last year for the NIT semifinalists Terrapins. Most draft websites estimate that Len will be picked up between No. 5 and No. 10.
Reference: Washington Examiner
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