KSTP.com - 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS Hoiberg hasn't ruled out NBA comeback Updated: 07/14/2005 09:23:57 AM VIDEO CLICK HERE to watch Fred Hoiberg's entire news conference By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Fred Hoiberg's recovery from heart surgery has been both scary and sobering. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard has been told he should be able to play basketball again, but that doesn't mean the 10-year veteran will choose to. "As far as my playing career goes, I'll be honest with you - these last couple weeks, it hasn't ever entered my mind," said Hoiberg, who held a news conference Wednesday at Target Center to discuss his condition as he continues to recover from an operation to correct an enlarged aortic root in his heart. The surgery was performed June 28 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester by Dr. Hartzell Schaff. The root, where the artery meets the heart's aortic valve, had a bulge in it. It was removed and replaced with a synthetic one. Hoiberg, a valuable reserve who led the NBA in 3-point accuracy last season for the Timberwolves, was fitted with a permanent pacemaker last week. The device might lengthen the recovery time, but shouldn't prevent him from playing again if his body responds correctly. The day after the pacemaker was installed, Hoiberg had a big setback. Feeling weak and nauseous and struggling to breathe properly, he collapsed and fell face down in his Twin Cities area home - cutting his chin on the floor. | |
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