Chris Wilcox hasn't suited up for the Celtics since March 7, and he will not do so for the rest of the season.
Wilcox will undergo aortic surgery at the Cleveland Clinic on March 29, and will miss the remainder of the season, the Celtics announced on Wednesday.
This unfortunate development comes nearly three months after the Celtics learned that swingman Jeff Green would miss the entire season due to an aortic aneurysm.
Cardiac specialists who consulted with Wilcox and the Celtics have said that the surgery should completely repair his condition, and that he should be able to resume his NBA career next season.
Wilcox has battled through an aortic abnormality throughout his career, but a recent scan revealed significant enlargement of the forward's aorta. Doctors then recommended surgery after several visits.
"While we are saddened that Chris will not be able to play again this season, the most important thing is his health, and we were fortunate to have access to an amazing team of specialists to evaluate Chris's case," Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said. "The entire Celtics family supports Chris during this difficult time in his career."
Wilcox, the eighth overall pick in 2002, was in the midst of his first season with the Celtics, averaging 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17.2 minutes per game in 28 contests.
