Ex-NBA star Scot Pollard gets heart transplant after finding 'perfect match'

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player, Scot Pollard, on Friday underwent a successful heart transplant, according to a social media post by his wife, Dawn.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, announced that the surgery "went well", and the new heart was a "perfect fit". She also expressed her gratitude to the donor for being their "hero".

Pollard had previously stated in an interview with the Indianapolis Star that they needed to find a donor with a similar frame.

After registering at three hospitals, he was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center's ICU on February 7 and said that he was “staying here until I get a heart.”

Earlier on Friday, Dawn shared photos on X that showed the 49-year-old former athlete getting his head shaved, with the caption, "Scot wanted me to let everyone know that the pre-heart transplant hair is gone, it’s go time!"

"Please keep the prayers coming for Scot, the surgeons, for the donor and his family who lost their loved one," Dawn continued in her post before the procedure. "This donor gave the most amazing gift of life and we are forever grateful."

Pollard's heart issues stem from a virus he battled in 2021, similar to the one that led to his father Pearl's death in 1991. Since then, he's faced numerous health issues, leading to the need for a heart transplant and a donor.

The 6-foot-11 centre, a first-round pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, averaged 4.4 points and 4.6 rebounds per game over 11 years, with stops with the Pistons, Kings Pacers, Cavaliers, and Celtics.

He won the 2007-08 season title with Boston despite a season-ending injury, following a previous NBA Finals appearance with LeBron James and Cleveland.

Before becoming an NBA fan-favourite, he starred with Kansas, recording 218 blocked shots and 850 rebounds.