Kings’ Domantas Sabonis did not have surgery, contrary to comments from Lithuanian coach
A report from overseas created some confusion after Lithuanian national coach Kazys Maksvytis explained the absence of Domantas Sabonis for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Maksvytis said the Sacramento Kings star recently underwent surgery to repair an avulsion fracture in his right thumb. Sources with knowledge of the situation told The Sacramento Bee on Wednesday that report was untrue.
Sources said Sabonis has been following a strict rehab protocol and was unable to play for the Lithuanian national team this summer. Sabonis sustained the injury in December but only missed one game as a result, playing through the discomfort with a protective wrap on the right hand.
Sabonis told The Bee surgery had not been ruled out at that point, but he continued to play, leading the Kings to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. The Kings and people in Sabonis’ camp have been unwilling to say whether the All-NBA center had undergone surgery.
Maksvytis’ comments came during a news conference. He indicated Sabonis is planning to play in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
According to Basketnews.com, Maksvytis said: “The main reasons behind Domantas availability this summer was his contract and health. He tried to recover without the surgery, but it didn’t work, and he lost time. After the surgery, everything takes longer.
“He apologized for not coming and promised to be available next summer.”
