Surgery clouds draft prospect for Len
Former Maryland center Alex Len underwent surgery on Friday to repair a partial stress fracture in his left ankle and will be out of basketball action for four-to six months.
"The tough part about Alex's injury is the timing," said Len's agent Michael Lelchitski in a release. "Everyone who knows Alex knows that he would have been incredible in the predraft workout setting. However, Alex is one of the elite prospects with arguably the biggest upside of anyone in the draft. The most important thing is his long-term health."
According to the Washington Post, Len was diagnosed with the partial stress fracture after declaring for the NBA Draft, though Terrapins coach Mark Turgeon said throughout the postseason that ankle injuries had hobbled the 7-foot-1 center.
"I decided that surgery was the best long term option for my career," Len said. "I didn't want to risk it not healing properly. I want to make sure I'm fully healthy and ready for training camp."
Many mock drafts had Len projected to be selected within the first seven picks, but the surgery now leaves some doubt where he will be selected. Len will not be able to work out for teams and he could miss the start of next season.
Dr. Robert Anderson, who performed the surgery, said the injury might have healed itself, but undergoing the procedure was "the safest and surest option to ensuring a long and successful NBA career for Alex. His prognosis is excellent."
