‘Waiting for a donor’: Former Kings center Scot Pollard reveals he needs heart transplant
Scot Pollard was all heart during his playing days, but now the former University of Kansas and Sacramento Kings center is awaiting a heart transplant.
Pollard, 48, shared the news on social media Wednesday, apparently in response to someone who suggested he was “faking” his condition. Pollard and his wife, Dawn, shared photos and details of his medical history indicating he has been battling heart failure for the past three years.
“Ever been on a heart transplant list and then have someone say you’re faking it? It’s super weird,” Pollard tweeted. “Have a nice Wednesday everyone! This photo is from a while back when I was in the emergency heart center, keeping my fake story straight. I’m home now waiting for a donor.”
Pollard’s wife provided additional details, saying her husband’s ordeal has included “3 failed heart ablations, pacemaker/defibrillator, all the drugs and side effects, heart biopsies, heart catheter tests, CT/MRI scans, countless viles of blood taken, ER trips, myocarditis, pericarditis-all over the past 3 years…and now heart transplant list.”
Pollard starred at Kansas from 1993-97 before the Detroit Pistons selected him with the 19th pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft. Pollard played for the Pistons in 1997-98, the Kings from 1999-2003, the Indiana Pacers from 2003-06, the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2006-07 and the Boston Celtics in 2007-08.
Pollard won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008, but his best years were in Sacramento. Pollard averaged 5.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 20.1 minutes per game over five seasons with the Kings.
Pollard, known for his fiery spirit and wild hairstyles, was a part of five playoff teams under former coach Rick Adelman, including the team that reached the Western Conference finals in 2002. Pollard started 29 games that season, averaging 6.4 points and a career-high 7.1 rebounds.
Rapper Chuck D tweeted: “Ah man Scot … blesses out bruh. Some joy salutes as youve given many the same.”
One Kings fan tweeted: “Praying for you kings legend.”
Another tweeted: “Sending prayers and love to my favorite player of all time.”
