NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets were hoping to see what forward Dariq Whitehead, the 22nd overall pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, would look like at the NBA level at some point this season. However, it looks like that will have to wait until next season.
The Nets announced on Monday that Whitehead had successful surgery to address the stress reaction in his left shin. On Jan 18. Whitehead was ruled out from any participation by the Nets due to the stress reaction which seemed to either be his body’s response to the shin splints that he was experiencing throughout the season or as a possible sign of his injury getting worse. It was not made clear what caused the stress reaction.
Either way, Whitehead will be spending approximately the next three months recovering from this surgery, but he is expected to make a complete recovery, per the Nets. Also, Whitehead is expected to be a full participant in the team’s offseason program so it sounds like he will not miss any valuable time this summer.
This is what Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn had to say about Whitehead during Monday’s pregame media availability:
“Yeah, first of all, the surgery was successful, so that’s good for him. Talked to him today. He was in good spirits. He’ll stay at home today, stay at home tomorrow. And, the hope that he is a full participant in our off -season development, so looking forward to that for him and his career going forward.”
Whitehead, 19, spent most of his time this season playing for Brooklyn’s G League team, the Long Island Nets, as he continued to work his way back from the surgeries that he had on his right foot this past offseason. In four games for Long Island, Whitehead averaged 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists per game while shooting 42.9% from the field and 14.3% from three-point land.
The Nets officially say Dariq Whitehead underwent successful surgery to address the stress reaction in his left shin. Whitehead's recovery will be approximately 3 months, but he is expected to be a full participant in Brooklyn's offseason program. pic.twitter.com/Ajqp7KguLx
— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) January 29, 2024
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