Former Raptors big man Christian Koloko, who missed all of the 2023/24 season due to a blood clot issue that was said to be career-threatening, is on the comeback trail, according to Aaron Rose of SI.com.
After Sportsnet’s Blake Murphy reported last month that Koloko had received medical clearance to resume playing, agent Calvin Andrews of Klutch Sports provided an update to Rose on where things stand now with his client.
“We had a major breakthrough with his blood clot issue,” Andrews said. “They found the issue and he had corrective surgery and has been recovering (for) the last four months.”
According to Andrews, Koloko has been off blood thinners for the last month and will undergo a scan for blood clots later in August. “If there’s none, then everything is fine,” Andrews said.
Koloko held a workout for potential suitors during last month’s Las Vegas Summer League and has been able to participate in five-on-five, full-contact drills in recent weeks as he attempts to get back to 100% health. Chris Johnson, a trainer who has worked with a number of NBA players, posted a YouTube video this week of Koloko taking part in a scrimmage alongside Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jalen Johnson, Jordan Clarkson, Delon Wright, and several other active NBAers.
However, Koloko isn’t free to sign an NBA contract yet. As Rose details, the seven-footer will still need to be cleared by the league’s Fitness-to-Play panel, which could take a few more weeks. The hope is that it will happen before the start of the 2024/25 season, in which case Koloko would be able to join any NBA team — including his former club.
“The Raptors have kept very close eyes on his situation,” Andrews said. “And Koloko would have no problem coming back to the Raptors.”
The 33rd overall pick in the 2022 draft, Koloko appeared in 58 games for Toronto as a rookie, averaging 3.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 13.8 minutes per game across 58 appearances (19 starts). The former Arizona standout is still just 24 years old.
Golden State might be a nice fit
I wouldn’t mind him in a Knicks uni
Agreed, plus there’s the whole Steve Kerr / University of Arizona angle. Kerr values how players are prepared coming out of his alma mater.
The Sixers could use a man like Koloko
Aaron Rose is getting hoopsrumors call outs! Nice job kid!!
Get well champ !
He has a lot of potential, he was doing nice for the Raptors. Hope it all works out!