RUMOURS of Nathan Jawai's NBA "death" have been greatly
exaggerated.
Despite media reports over the weekend that the former Taipan’s NBA career with the Toronto Raptors was in jeopardy, Jawai’s mentor Aaron Fearne said little had changed for the 22-year-old.
Routine pre-season cardiac tests carried out by the Raptors picked up irregularities, and Jawai has been forced to the sidelines since.
While it is now seven weeks since he has been able to train, there is no definite time frame for Jawai’s return and no set date for a decision on his career.
"He’s had tests and is waiting to see the outcome, that’s it," said Fearne, who has been in constant contact with The Cairns Post since moving to Canada at the end of September to help
Jawai settle into life as an NBA player.
"There’s still no time frame, that’s pretty much all I can tell you. At this stage, there’s just still no definites."
Jawai was sent for tests on his enlarged heart in Minnesota last month and has undergone further testing since.
Fearne said a Sydney newspaper report yesterday speculating Jawai had been forced to the sidelines for another six weeks and could face a "career-ending dilemma" after that period, was "blown out of proportion".
The chance of learning about Jawai’s prospects was a "day-to-day" issue, he said.
"Obviously the No.1 thing is to get his health right and then get him back on court and that’s it," Fearne said. "He just wants to get out there and play. He’s good, he’s just going with the flow and looking after himself as much as he can."
While he is not allowed on court, Jawai was still learning plenty in his rookie season with the Raptors.
"He’s getting to travel and be part of the group," Fearne said of Jawai’s schedule, which included a trip to the Boston Garden to see the NBA champion Celtics take on the Raptors last week.
