BRA – Nenê has tumor removed

DENVER (NBA) - Brazil international Nenê is recovering from surgery after having a tumor removed, a statement has confirmed on the player’s official website.

The 2.11m center, who averaged 8.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, underwent an operation at a hospital in Denver.

The statement on his website said: “Nenê had surgery on November 14 to extract a tumor.

“The surgery was considered a success, but for medical reasons the athlete will have to rest while waiting for future procedures or treatments.

“The definitive results will only be known at the end of the week.”

Nenê, 25, has been slowed by a knee injury in the past but he came into this season full of hope after helping Brazil to a third place finish in Las Vegas last summer.

The South American giants will be hoping he is able to join them this summer in Athens, Greece, at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

As for Denver, he is in his sixth season with the Nuggets.

The team had announced on January 11 that their star player would be leaving the club for an indefinite period to address a medical issue.

Nenê had said in the statement: “I’m very upset that I have to put a little delay on being with the team to take care of my health.

“It is hard to go through when things seem to be going so well. I thank God that he showed me this issue so I can take care of it.

“I want to get back on the court as soon as possible to help my teammates. My family and I ask that you respect our privacy during this time.”

Denver coach and former Team USA boss George Karl was also quoted in the statement, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Nenê and his family. Our main focus is to support him as a family and as teammates.”

FIBA