Nuggets F Nene leaves team

Jan 12, 2008 - 2:23 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Denver Nuggets forward Nene on Friday took an indefinite leave of absence for a personal medical reason.

According to the team, it is trying to support Nene's wishes and respect his privacy and will release more information when it becomes available.

"I'm very upset that I have to put a little delay on being with the team to take care of my health," the 25-year-old Nene said. "It is hard to go when things seem to be going so well. I thank God that he showed me this issue, so I can take care of it.

"I want to get back on the court as soon as possible to help my teammates. My family and I ask that you respect our privacy during this time."

Nuggets coach George Karl would not elaborate on the specifics of Nene's problem but wished him well.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Nene and his family," Karl said. "Our main focus is to support him as a family and as teammates."

The 6-11, 268-pound Nene has averaged 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in just 12 games this season. Over his career, he has posted averages of 10.9 points and 6.4 boards in six seasons with Denver.

Nene, who has history of health problems, missed the 2005-06 campaign after seriously injuring his knee just three minutes into the Nuggets' season opener.