Teletovic logged in seven minutes on Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He went 0 of 3 from the field before informing head coach Lionel Hollins that he was having problems breathing.
“He came to the bench and said something was wrong with him, so he asked me to take him out” said Hollins. At halftime, Teletovic left the Staples Center, as he was taken to a local hospital.
Pulmonary Embolism (also referred as blood clots) is when one or more of a person’s pulmonary arteries in the lungs get blocked. The clots prevent blood from circulating through the lungs, which can ultimately lead to death if not treated properly. According to the National Blood Clot Alliance, symptoms of PE are sudden shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, fainting or passing out, and unexplained coughing. The way to prevent blood clots can include taking breaks and stretching out the legs when having traveled several miles, as well as staying hydrated at all times.
Athletes such as former NHL player Tomas Vokoun and Cleveland Cavalier Anderson Varejao have had experiences with PE. Vokoun would be forced to retire. For Varejo, he would miss the rest of the 2013-14 NBA season.
“I was having my best season, the best time of my life, and a week later I’m in the hospital and I could be dead” said Varejo in an interview with Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.
Teletovic was having a solid season, holding averages of nine points and five boards per game in 22 minutes of play time. The Bosnian player is a two-time Spanish league champion and will become a restricted free agent this summer. He keeps improving each season and his lethal shooting from the three-point arc is what he is mostly known for. He is a very important part of the team, though, as his shooting and hustle for the boards will be truly missed.
“Our first thoughts are with Mirza and his family,” said Nets General Manager Billy King. “I have visited with Mirza this morning and he is in good spirits as he begins his treatment and recovery”.
Teletovic tweeted the following, “I had a small problem, but not everything is ok...thx all fans from Bosnia, Spain and USA for support”.
Our best wishes are with him on his road to recovery.