January 23, 2006

Hoiberg Shows Heart: Former T-wolf Fred Hoiberg, who had open-heart surgery in the offseason to repair an aneurysm in his aorta, wants to become the first in the NBA to play with a pacemaker.

posted by daddisamm to basketball at 08:03 AM - 9 comments

Yeah, but will it help the Wolves keep a fricken lead? I love Hoiberg, and think it's great he's trying to make it back, I just hope he's listening to his doctors to make sure it is safe.

posted by emoeby at 09:23 AM on January 23, 2006

Seconded. I love Hoiberg as a player, but he also seems like a decent human being and it'd be a damned shame if he did more than he could handle.

posted by cobra! at 09:44 AM on January 23, 2006

Just wait until Vegas is betting on which game he dies in.

posted by Turbo at 10:08 AM on January 23, 2006

I just hope he's listening to his doctors to make sure it is safe. I'll second that. One impact to the device could be it right? Or at least it could cut off the electical current pacing his heart. I guess it depends on how much his heart still does without the electrical device running it, how much current it still generates if the device fails. If it is the type of pacemaker/ICD device that I am familiar with then its in a pocket under the skin just below his left collar bone. Could be elbowed or be subjected to all different kinds of impact. It seems kind of dangerous to me. But I'm no doctor.

posted by chris2sy at 10:18 AM on January 23, 2006

i think it's too risky. he should pursue a career in music.

posted by chiefff at 11:09 AM on January 23, 2006

Just wait until Vegas is betting on which game he dies in. This a stupid statement. Its not even funny. I wish Hoiberg well. I hope he doesnt rush back too soon. In fact I acutally see him entering the coaching ranks at some point.

posted by daddisamm at 11:27 AM on January 23, 2006

It ticks me off at family gatherings when they won't let my grandfather do anything. He only has a limited time left on this earth and if wants to play wiffle ball they should let him play and some fun. However, this guy has young children and he should be making them his top priority. I feel for his situation though and wish him good health and the best of luck.

posted by njsk8r20 at 11:29 AM on January 23, 2006

Walk away Fred and count your blessings. You've done more that most and know it's time to enjoy your family. 20 years ago you would have died on the court and never saw your kids grow up.

posted by mustang71 at 07:05 PM on January 23, 2006

i wish him only the best. Having children only makes the decision more complicated, they want to show that they can still make it (never quit on your dreams) i still would put my family above myself.

posted by chuy at 08:41 PM on January 23, 2006

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