Utah Jazz forward Matt Harpring will miss the rest of the season because "numerous surgeries" and "residual medical issues" have rendered him "unable to perform at an NBA level," the team announced Thursday. Harpring, an 11-year veteran, has not played or practiced this season. According to Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor, doctors have told Harpring that further attempts to continue his NBA career would be counterproductive to his long-term health.
In a statement released by the team, Harpring said, "I remained hopeful that I would be able to rejoin my Jazz teammates. ... [But] I have reluctantly come to the realization that my body can simply no longer withstand the rigors of NBA games and practices."
Harpring appeared in 665 games with Orlando, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Utah during his professional career.
He averaged 11.5 points and 5.1 rebounds in 26.4 minutes.
During the 2002-03 season, Harpring averaged 17.6 points and 6.6 rebounds in 78 games with the Jazz , who signed him as a free agent on Aug. 15, 2002.
luhm@sltrib.com
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