Former Nets first-round pick to undergo season-ending surgery

Nets first-round pick Dariq Whitehead will have surgery for a stress reaction in his left shin and will be sidelined for the rest of the season, coach Jacque Vaughn announced (video link from The New York Post). 

Vaughn provided an update on Whitehead’s condition in a meeting with reporters before Saturday's game.

“He’s actually going to have season-ending surgery on Monday to address the stress reaction,” Vaughn said, “but all signs and diagnosis and consultation: He’ll miss the rest of this season. And then, gear towards finishing and being ready to complete his career and with us, playing. Meaning that he’s just gonna get through these months of rehab, and look forward to him being back on the floor.”

Whitehead, the 22nd pick in last year’s draft, appeared in just two NBA games this season. He got into 17 combined regular season and Showcase Cup games with the G League’s Long Island Nets, averaging 8.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per night.

Whitehead underwent foot surgery last offseason that forced him to miss Summer League and training camp. Vaughn refused to speculate on his chances to be healthy enough to play in Las Vegas this summer.

“After the surgery on Monday, we’ll probably have an update on how the surgery went and have some more details for you,” he said.