The NBA draft is finally here, and who better to talk about these elite athletes than orthopedic surgeon Dr. Grant H. Garcia (grantgarciamd.com) 

We discuss the concerns that an NBA team doctor can have when evaluating players. The size, strength, and freakish abilities of these high-level athletes are remarkable, but how do doctors use this information when evaluating a player’s health before being drafted to a franchise?

This year there was no player combine, and teams only had the opportunity to conduct in-person meetings with players from Oct.16 - Nov.16th. Also, teams were only allowed to bring in up to 10 prospects for these evaluations (workouts, medical, meetings.). What kind of effect does that have when team doctors have to evaluate more than the 10 players allowed? 

What are some of the types of injuries that concern Dr. Garcia when it comes to basketball players? We discuss Michael Porter Jr. and Zion Williamson's past injuries and if there are concerns going forward. More importantly, we talk about must-haves on Dr. Garcia’s Thanksgiving dinner table. 

Dr. Garcia was an assistant team physician for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox. During residency, he also cared for players on the New York Giants, New York Mets, US Tennis Team, New York Rangers, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets as well as many collegiate athletes.

Dr. Grant H. Garcia has advanced accredited fellowship training in sports medicine and shoulder surgery and this is the primary focus of his practice. He is very interested in a return to sports after shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries and surgeries, consistent with his athletic background. He has published over a dozen papers on this topic and his work has been featured widely including ESPN.com, Orthopedics Today, and AAOS Now.

For more information or consultation with Dr. Grant Garcia…

grantgarciamd.com and orthopdedicsspecialistsofseattle.com