WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- Washington Wizards center Etan Thomas will undergo surgery Thursday to repair a leak of the aortic valve in his heart.
The decision was made after further evaluation Wednesday.
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The six-year veteran out of Syracuse was not cleared to play this preseason after a routine physical last week revealed an abnormality.
The 6-foot-10 Thomas has career averages of 6.2 points and 5.1 rebounds in 347 NBA games over six seasons, all with the Wizards.
"This is a difficult situation, and we wish him the best," teammate Antawn Jamison said.
A team spokesman said there would be no further comment.
