Christian Koloko, a former star with the Arizona Wildcats, began his professional basketball career after being selected by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft. Ever since, he was a focus of their long-term development to grow into being a rim protector to anchor their defense.
During his rookie season, Koloko secured a spot in the Raptors’ lineup, starting in 19 games and appearing in 58. However, following the trade involving Pascal Siakam, the Raptors recently released him. Emerging details now reveal that Koloko is facing a significant health challenge.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that Koloko had been directed to the NBA’s Fitness-To-Play panel, placing him under medical evaluation and temporarily barring him from playing. The central concern for Koloko is a blood clot issue, posing risks not only to his NBA career but also to his overall health.
”The NBA informed teams today that Christian Koloco has been referred to the NBA’s Fitness-To-Play panel. That essentially means that he’s unable to play or practice in the NBA until he is cleared. There’s been no shortage of suitors of teams interested in Koloco — calling his camp ever since he was waived yesterday by the Raptors to make space for that Pascal Siakam trade. But I’m told that the reason he has this career-threatening issue is a blood clot situation.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Christian Koloko, Toronto Raptors Updates
This condition notably mirrors the situation of NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh, whose career was cut short due to similar health concerns. Despite his efforts to return, Bosh retired after Miami Heat doctors advised against him playing again. The Raptors wish Koloko well as he navigates the situation.
“A source close to him told me this is someone that was a second-round draft pick, someone that Masai Ujiri spoke very highly of today in his press conference, saying that they viewed him with a high ceiling and he showed flashes of having potential for the Raptors,” Charania said. “We wish him the best in seeing if he can figure out a solution to continue his NBA career and, more importantly, for him to be healthy.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Christian Koloko, Toronto Raptors Updates
At Arizona, Koloko had an impressive college career, culminating in first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022. He was also named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, thanks to his remarkable average of 2.8 blocks per game.
