Nuggets F Nene has benign tumor

Jan 17, 2008 - 5:35 PM DENVER (Ticker) -- Denver Nuggets forward Nene had a benign tumor removed, according to a statement posted on his web site Thursday.

Nene had undergone an operation Monday to remove a testicular tumor.

"According to reports presented by doctors, the exam shows the tumor is benign," a statement on a Nene's official web site read.

On Friday, the Nuggets announced Nene would take an indefinite leave of absence from the team. There is no timeline for his return.

The 6-11 Nene has appeared in 12 games this season for the Nuggets, averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds. The 25-year-old missed 22 games after undergoing surgery on his left thumb in early November.