Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter will miss the remainder of the NBA season following surgery to repair a retinal detachment in his left eye. The injury initially surfaced on during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, and was initially diagnosed as iritis.
A re-evaluation on revealed the more serious condition, necessitating surgical intervention performed by Dr. M. Ali Khan at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Roseville, California. The team anticipates Hunter will make a full recovery, with a further update expected in approximately eight weeks.
Hunter’s absence marks the third season-ending surgery for the Kings since the All-Star break, joining teammates Domantas Sabonis, who underwent a left knee meniscus repair, and Zach LaVine, who had surgery to address a right fifth finger tendon repair. This string of significant injuries comes at a challenging time for the Kings, who currently hold a record of 12-45 and are on a 15-game losing streak.
The Kings acquired Hunter in a three-team trade involving the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls earlier this month. He had previously been with the Cavaliers for a year after being traded to them from the Atlanta Hawks. In his two games with Sacramento, Hunter averaged 7.5 points and 1.5 rebounds while shooting 21% from the field.
Prior to the trade, Hunter had been averaging 13.7 points and 4.1 rebounds across 45 games this season, split between the Cavaliers and Kings, with 25 starts. However, his shooting percentages had declined compared to previous seasons, with a field goal percentage of 41.5% (near his rookie-year low of 41.0%) and a 3-point percentage of 30.5%, below his previous floor of 32.6%.
Retinal detachment occurs when the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, pulls away from its supporting layers. This can happen due to various factors, including injury, age-related changes, or underlying eye conditions. Symptoms can include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in the field of vision. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, typically involving surgery, are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss.
The surgical procedure to repair a retinal detachment aims to reattach the retina to its underlying layers. Techniques can vary depending on the nature and extent of the detachment, but often involve the use of lasers, cryopexy (freezing), or the placement of a silicone oil bubble or gas bubble to help hold the retina in place while it heals. Post-operative care typically involves specific positioning instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.
Hunter is under contract with the Kings for the next season, with a salary of $24.9 million, after which he will become a free agent. The team will need to navigate his recovery and potential return to form as they look to rebuild and improve their performance in future seasons.
The Kings’ recent spate of injuries underscores the physical demands of professional basketball and the potential for season-altering setbacks. The loss of key players like Hunter, Sabonis, and LaVine will undoubtedly present challenges for the team as they navigate the remainder of the season and prepare for the future.
