Jeff Green and Chuck Hayes: Lucky Medical Issues Detected During Physicals

During the past week in the NBA where free agency is continuing as teams prepare for the start of the 2011-12 NBA season on Christmas Day, two active NBA players learned that they have serious medical issues that have to be taken care of before they can return to the basketball court. These medical issues show once again that having good health should come before doing anything else.

Boston Celtics forward Jeff Green and Sacramento Kings forward/center Chuck Hayes found out while undergoing routine physicals with their respective teams that they have major medical issues to deal with before they can continue their basketball careers.

The Celtics had plans to keep Green by signing him to a one-year deal worth reportedly $9 million, but after questions came up regarding his health during a routine physical (which every free agent or player acquired through a trade must go through before a contract becomes official) it was found that he will need to undergo heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm.

Chuck Hayes signed as a free agent with the Sacramento Kings after agreeing to a four-year contract worth a reported $25 million after spending the past six seasons with the Houston Rockets.

While undergoing a routine physical, “abnormalities” were found during a heart exam which would require further testing to pinpoint the exact issue. The Kings and Hayes have not given any more information regarding the issue, but the Kings' general manager Geoff Petrie did announce earlier this afternoon that the deal with Hayes is now void.

The news will be a shock for both Green and Hayes, but at least they are aware of their issues and can have it taken care of.