Indiana Pacers forward T.J. Warren will not return to the court this season, the team announced Thursday.
Warren, 28, has not played in an NBA game since Dec. 29, 2020, due to a stress fracture in his left foot that required surgery.
He was recently cleared to resume basketball activities but will sit out the Pacers’ final 12 games to prepare for the 2022-23 campaign.
“Our organization’s guiding principle will always center on a holistic approach to our players’ health and prioritizing their overall well-being,” said Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard. “T.J. Warren has worked incredibly hard over the past 14 months to get to this point — a full participant in on-court activity with his teammates — all while navigating the many challenges that accompany this type of injury.
“However, after thoughtful conversation with T.J. and his representatives, it has been determined that the most beneficial course of action at this point is to allow him to focus on the 2022-23 season. We will continue to provide T.J. with all the care, support, and resources necessary to ensure he returns to the high-level of play to which he’s accustomed.”
Warren has averaged 15.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 332 career games (236 starts) with the Phoenix Suns (2014-19) and Pacers. Phoenix drafted him with the 14th overall pick in 2014.
–Field Level Media