NBA News 2013, Phoenix Suns Suffer Setback After Rookie Alex Len Found Out With Stress Fracture

Alex Len, the fifth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, suffered a big blow early in his pro career after doctors found a stress fracture in his right ankle this week.

Suns president of basketball operation Lon Babby announced that Len had a successful surgery on his right ankle Friday, and added that the rookie is expected to be ready when training camp starts in October.

"As a precautionary measure, our medical staff determined that it would be prudent to perform surgery on Alex Len's right ankle at this time," Lon Babby told reporters, according to Real GM. "That surgery was successfully completed this morning."

"As part of a routine evaluation, our medical team identified the very beginnings of a stress fracture in Alex's right ankle even though Alex was entirely asymptomatic. We expect him to be available to begin the season."

Len, who averaged 11.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in his sophomore season with the Terrapins, is touted as one of the most NBA ready prospects in the recent draft.

Possessing a solid repertoire of low-post moves and a decent outside touch, expectations are high on Len to produce right away in the big league.

However, this setback could be a big concern for the Suns organization in terms of Len's capacity to stay healthy and durable despite the brutal nature of the NBA.

Several prodigious big men saw their career come to a sudden end because of stress fractures in their bones, particularly in their ankles and knees. Former Houston Rockets center Yao Ming was a dominant big man during his basketball heydays, but he eventually retired due to a myriad of injuries caused by a stress fracture in his left foot.