The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Pheonix Suns announced today that Channing Frye will likely miss the 2012-2013 season after a preseason medical examination determined that the 6’11 power forward / center has an enlarged heart.
Team cardiologist Dr. Tim Byrne identified a dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition noticed during an echocardiogram. The heart ailment affects the heart muscle’s left ventricle, which when enlarged cannot pump blood to the body with as much force as a healthy heart.
The team has made the decision to give Frye an indefinite leave until he can determine the best course of action for his health and his career. This unfortunate news does not bode well for the Suns upcoming season as they are in a rebuilding mode and would have benefited greatly from Frye’s productivity in the frontcourt.
Channing Frye signed with the Suns, his hometown team, in 2009 and has posted averages of 11.5 points and 5.9 rebounds in three seasons. Frye has also played with the Portland Trailblazers and the New York Knicks during his seven years in the NBA.