Scott Pollard, an 11-year NBA veteran and former “Survivor” contestant, has undergone a successful heart transplant, his wife posted on social media Friday night.

The former NBA champion needed a transplant due to a genetic disease caused by a virus he contracted in 2021, the paper reported. Associated Press (AP).

When Pollard was 16 years old, her 54-year-old father died of a genetic heart disease, the Associated Press reported.

Finding a donor was difficult because Pollard was 6 feet 11 inches tall and weighed 260 pounds, the newspaper said, adding that he needed a heart large enough to support his large body. (Related: Chief Antonio Hamilton donates $30,000 to first grader in need of heart transplant)

Scott wanted everyone to know that he no longer had the hair he had before the heart transplant and that it was over. Please continue to pray for Scott, the surgeon, and the donor and his family who have lost their loved ones. This donor gave the greatest gift of his life. We are forever grateful ❤️‍🩹 pic.twitter.com/OQRGDma5e6

— Dawn Pollard (@DawnMPollard) February 16, 2024

However, when Pollard's wife Dawn revealed that X (previously twitter), “Scott has a new heart! We were told the surgery went well and his heart is big, strong and perfectly fit. Now we move on to the important part of his recovery.”

Dawn Pollard thanked everyone who supported her husband, writing: “But most of all, a huge thank you to our heroes who gave.” “Please continue to pray for Scott, the surgeon, the donor and his family who have lost his loved one. This donor gave us the greatest gift of her life and we are forever grateful.” Masu.”

Pollard, a first-round draft pick in 1997, played for five NBA teams during his 11-year career and won a championship with the Celtics in his final season in 2008, the Associated Press reported.

After his time on the hardwood, Pollard worked in broadcasting and acting. He survived his 27th day as a contestant on “Survivor” and was voted off the island, according to the Associated Press.

Pollard, who celebrated her 49th birthday on Monday, announced her medical condition in January 2024, and was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center on February 7 as her heart was weakening, the newspaper reported.

Pollard said doctors agreed that being admitted to Vanderbilt's intensive care unit was his “best bet to speed up his heart recovery.”