Report: Free agent Koloko sidelined with career-threatening blood clot issue

Free-agent center Christian Koloko is unable to play or practice in the NBA due to a blood clot issue that's threatening his career, a source close to the player told Stadium's Shams Charania.

Koloko, who was waived by the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday in order to complete the trade that sent Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, has reportedly been referred to the league's Fitness to Play panel. As a result, he must be cleared by the NBA to become eligible to participate again.

Koloko was drafted 33rd overall by Toronto in 2022 and showed promise as a rookie, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and a block per game in 58 appearances (19 starts) in 2022-23. However, he hasn't played at all in what would be his sophomore year. The Raptors had ruled the Arizona product out since Summer League with what was deemed a respiratory issue.

Numerous teams have checked in with Koloko since he was waived, according to Charania.

Though rare, blood clots have affected other NBA players in recent memory. Hall of Fame forward Chris Bosh, who also spent time with the Raptors, was forced to retire early while with the Miami Heat due to recurring blood clots, including an instance in which one traveled to his lungs.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram, then with the Los Angeles Lakers, missed the final month of the 2018-19 season after being diagnosed with a deep venous thrombosis in his right arm, a condition caused by a blood clot. However, Ingram recovered in time for the start of the 2019-20 campaign and hasn't been affected since.