Dave Joerger is tired of slathering pancakes with butter and syrup. And of seeking out soft-textured proteins such as eggs and fish. And of downing scoops of mashed potatoes. It’s still difficult for Joerger to eat and swallow, making every meal and snack feel like a workout with the goal of collecting calories instead of burning them. But it sure beats the feeding tube the 76ers’ lead assistant coach had hooked to his stomach for weeks.
NBA Rumor: Dave Joerger Health
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“Where I’ve been, it runs the gamut,” Joerger told The Inquirer by phone last week. “There’s times you feel, ‘This is not going to stop me. There’s nothing that can stop me. I’ve got such a great support system,’ and then there’s times you just don’t know if you can go on anymore. Physically, mentally, it’s like, ‘This hurts.’ It’s given me a great appreciation for all the gifts and all the things that we have been given. … “Should it really take me getting cancer to realize all that? I feel like I’m pretty humble and I’ve always had an appreciation and a gratitude, but not certainly to the level of, ‘Wow, I have it good as a human being.’”
The treatment had a cumulative effect that wore Joerger down. He was physically unable to speak for about two weeks, responding to phone calls with a text message saying that he could only communicate through typed words. Wife Kimberly, whom Joerger called a “saint,” ground up his pills because of his inability to swallow. He had a stretch when his brain got “really foggy” that he still struggles to remember. And the COVID-19 omicron variant surge at that time was dangerous for Joerger because, as an immunocompromised person, “had I gotten COVID, I’d have been a real hot mess,” he said.
Dave Joerger left the Philadelphia 76ers in mid-November to focus on battling cancer. At that time, Joerger shared he had “head and neck” cancer. Because of early detection, Joerger said he had over a 90% chance of beating the cancer. Now, in early-February, Joerger is returning to the Sixers bench on a full-time basis. In a statement, Joerger expressed his thanks for the support he’s received, as well as his excitement to be back.
“Words can’t describe how grateful I am to be back around this basketball team. The last several months have been some of the most challenging of my life, but I am so lucky to have the support of Josh Harris, David Blitzer, Doc Rivers, Daryl Morey, Elton Brand and the entire 76ers organization. Their support, along with my wife Kimberly, and my loving family, has been unwavering. Lastly, I may not be here today if it weren’t for the incredible medical team at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. For now, I’m energized by the trajectory of this 76ers team and am looking forward to helping our group reach the ultimate goal of an NBA championship.”
Dave Joerger returning to coach full-time after cancer battle
Dave Joerger to undergo cancer treatment
Philadelphia 76ers top assistant coach Dave Joerger is leaving the team for several weeks to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a form of “head and neck” cancer, he told ESPN. Joerger, 47, has undergone treatments while coaching for the past two weeks — missing only one road game — but the Sixers’ extended road trip requires him to step away and stay back for treatments in Philadelphia, he said.
Joerger told the Sixers players, assistant coaches and staff of his cancer in a postgame meeting after Saturday night’s loss to the Pacers in Indiana. He had already told a small group of Sixers officials — including coach Doc Rivers, president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and owner Josh Harris — of his recent diagnoses.
“We have caught it early,” Joerger told ESPN. “I’m very lucky. I’ve got over a 90% chance of cure rate, but it’s very scary and it’s not enjoyable going through. …I can’t go on the road and do radiation and chemotherapy in different cities around the country. To continue my treatment, I need to step away from the team.”
“It’s sad, it hurts, but his spirit is extremely high,” said Tyrese Maxey. “So when someone is going through something, but their spirit is high, it makes you believe in them and trust in them, and really have faith in them. It was tough. I dropped my head immediately when Iheard it, but as soon as he started talking and telling us that he’ll be fine. He’s okay, his spirit is extremely high, that made me happy. I just gave him a big hug andtold him I’m praying for him and I love him.”
“Sad news for sure,” added Tobias Harris. “We know he’s somebody who’s a fighter and somebody who’s going to do everything he can to push through and come out on top of it. For us, we’re definitely gonna miss him. Keep his family and him in all our prayers and just encourage him through this time to stay positive and just push through.”
Lauren Rosen: I don’t know him well, but Dave Joerger is one of the best human beings I’ve crossed paths with in the NBA. He makes an effort, even with the little guys (me), to be kind, and to make people feel seen – which is not a job requirement. Sending coach & his family love. 💙❤️
August 8, 2022 | 8:04 pm EDT Update
Nets owner after Kevin Durant's ultimatum: Our front office and coaching staff have my support
Joseph Tsai: Our front office and coaching staff have my support. We will make decisions in the best interest of the Brooklyn Nets.
The NBA informed teams Monday that players still need to have either received a primary course of a COVID-19 vaccine or been given a medical clearance from getting one in order to play games in Canada, according to a league memo obtained by ESPN. The memo also states that, should players be ineligible to play in games in Canada, teams must list them as, “Out – Health and Safety Protocols,” and that they will lose their pay for any games missed due to not being vaccinated.
This season, the Raptors will play at least 44 games in Canada: preseason games in Edmonton against the Utah Jazz; Montreal against the Boston Celtics; and Toronto against the Chicago Bulls; plus their typical 41 regular-season home games at Scotiabank Arena and any additional playoff games. The same rules apply both to going to Canada to play in a game, as well as for entering the United States. Anyone playing for the Raptors, therefore, would have to be vaccinated in order to play in any game this season. Last season, the Raptors were fully vaccinated.
Former player Keith Bogans joining Pistons coaching staff
Frank Isola: Keith Bogans is close to finalizing a deal to join the Pistons staff. Another former NBA player, Rashard Lewis, is also in talks with the Pistons.
August 8, 2022 | 6:38 pm EDT Update
Draft prospect Mojave King signs for G League Ignite
Former NBA Academy and NBL wing Mojave King has signed to play with the NBA G League Ignite program. The former Adelaide 36ers player likely plans to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft after his year with the G League Ignite.
Chase Hughes: Deni Avdija fouls out of Israel-Auburn with 25 points. He shook off a slow start to play very well overall. He was aggressive off the dribble (going right) and got to the line at will. This dunk was a standout highlight.
