( CNN ) It was right after one of the longest lockouts in NBA history . Jeff Green , then playing for the Boston Celtics , was looking forward to getting back to the hardwood . That was until a routine physical stopped him in his tracks . The physical revealed he had an aortic aneurysm near the left valve of his heart . `` I was shocked , '' said the Memphis Grizzlies small forward . `` I had no symptoms of fatigue , shortness of breath . '' Green had to have open heart surgery . `` Leading up to it was nerve-racking , '' he said . `` I could n't run . I could n't touch a basketball . I could n't get stressed out , it was tough . '' As Green learned how doctors would open up his chest to repair his heart , he considered the possibility he may never play basketball again . `` The first couple of weeks after I was told , I really focused in on my career and what was next , '' said the basketball player . `` I wanted to make sure if I wanted to come back , I was able to come back and play the same way I did before I left . '' If that opportunity was n't there , Green wanted to have a backup plan . So , he headed back to his college roots at Georgetown University , finished his degree and became the first person in his family to graduate from college . Green 's NBA basketball career was n't over , but it was a slow progression back to the court . He missed the entire 2011-2012 season . `` I did n't even watch any basketball , '' he said . `` Six months after the surgery was the first time I set foot on a court . '' It was with the Hoyas where Green laid back down the foundation of his game , healing his body and regaining muscle . `` The timing was off , '' he said . `` I was n't concerned about getting hit , the biggest thing was just being in shape and being able to move and being able to function on the floor . '' Green believes the surgery and hard road back to the NBA have given him a new perspective and more meaning in his life . `` I will never forget those days that I could walk 15 steps for five minutes , '' he said . `` Now I attack every game like this could be my last . '' `` I feel like the year I missed really added more years , '' he explained . `` It added more life into what I 'm doing because I 'm more grateful for it . '' Green 's now using his story to raise awareness of hidden heart risk . He also spends time with children dealing with cardiac issues -- often telling them they are `` superheroes '' and encouraging them to `` show off your scar -- embrace it ! ''
NBA player Jeff ##kins had open heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm in 2011 . Green missed the entire 2011 - 12 NBA season . Now he donates time to young cardiovascular patients .