| | SAN ANTONIO -- Sean Elliott moved closer to returning to the
NBA on Wednesday when his doctors met with Spurs coach Gregg
Popovich about the forward's recovery from a kidney transplant.
"We expressed everything we were concerned about as far as what
this really means to compete at this level," Popovich said. "The
doctors are very aware of our concerns."
| |  | |
| Elliott |
Elliott's kidney specialists will keep meeting with Spurs
doctors and coaches to work toward Elliott's medical clearance for
contact practices, possibly by Tuesday or the following day.
"Then it becomes a basketball decision over the next weeks or
months, whether he gets into games or not," Popovich said. "Once
he gets back on the court, it's not going to be three practices and
play."
Elliott, 31, has been doing light workouts and conditioning
training for weeks but has not taken part in a full practice. While
sidelined, he has been a commentator for Spurs television
broadcasts.
Elliott, who played a key role in San Antonio's championship
last year, received a kidney from his older brother Noel on Aug.
16. Elliott had focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, a condition
that prevents the kidneys from properly filtering waste from the
blood. Before the transplant, he was within weeks of having
dialysis.
A return to the NBA by Elliott would be unprecedented, as no
professional athlete has come back to compete after a kidney
transplant. Elliott declined to speak with reporters Wednesday.
Last week, transplant surgeon Dr. Francis Wright and kidney
specialist Dr. John Reineck said Elliott could play and said the
possibility of an injury to his new kidney was remote.
However, Popovich said a player doesn't have medical clearance
until team doctors give the OK.
Doctors are still researching the physical risks of Elliott
playing and possible side effects from his post-transplant
medication.
Paperwork, including some dealing with liability matters, must
be completed.
"He would probably be on the court by the end of next week if
the medical staff feels comfortable with what they find in their
research," Popovich said. "We need to just look under every rock
to make sure we have all the information we can possibly have."
Earlier this month, Popovich said he considered it unrealistic
to expect Elliott back this season. On Wednesday, he didn't seem as
pessimistic but cautioned Elliott may not play in a game anytime
soon.
Popovich wouldn't say whether he's glad about the possibility of
Elliott's return, although he said he's happy he has his health
again.
"I'm amazed by his perseverance and what he's gone through over
the past few years," the coach said. | |
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