Bill Kennedy, one of the NBA’s most recognizable and popular referees, had to leave the court in a wheelchair Friday night after suffering a non-contact injury to his lower leg.
There has been no official update on his injury or status, but 76ers coach Nick Nurse said after the game he’s heard rumors it could be an Achilles tendon injury, adding: “Let’s hope it’s not that.” Kennedy stopped while running on the fieldnot near anyone else, which is never a good sign.
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Most fans recognize Kennedy as the best at the coach’s challenge calls on the mic.
Kennedy, 59, is in his 26th season as an NBA referee. He is approaching 1,500 NBA regular season games officiated as well as 139 playoff games, including six NBA Finals games. Kennedy, the NBA’s second openly gay official, is one of the league’s most respected and beloved referees among players and coaches.
