The Sacramento Kings are facing a tough stretch, having dropped their last 15 games, and now they’re hit with more unfortunate news. Star forward De’Andre Hunter, who recently joined the team from the Cleveland Cavaliers, is set to miss the remainder of the season due to an eye injury.
NBA insiders Chris Haynes and Marc Stein report that Hunter will undergo season-ending surgery to address “iritis,” an inflammation caused by a blow to his left eye during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers on February 6.
Haynes shared the update on social media, stating, “BREAKING: Sacramento Kings forward De’Andre Hunter will undergo season-ending eye surgery.”
Initially, there was hope that Hunter’s condition might improve with time. Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee noted that Hunter was to be reevaluated after 10 days. However, the decision was ultimately made to proceed with surgery.
This development marks a significant shift from Hunter’s earlier optimism about his recovery. He had expressed that his condition was improving, suggesting a potential return might not be far off. “It's not all the way there yet, but it's definitely a lot better than it was,” Hunter mentioned recently, highlighting his ability to train and play.
Looking ahead, the Kings are hopeful that Hunter will make a full recovery and be ready to contribute next season. His health and presence on the court will be crucial as Sacramento aims to bounce back from this challenging period.