Return Date Still Unclear for Abercrombie

New Zealand veteran Tom Abercrombie has undergone successful surgery for a torn retina in his left eye and he will regain full sight as he continues his recovery.

Abercrombie suffered the torn retina just 46 seconds into New Zealand’s opening Blitz game after an inadvertent coming together between him and Brisbane’s Aron Baynes.

Despite the successful operation the timeframe for Abercrombie’s return to court is still muddied, partially due to the fact the 35-year-old will now not be allowed to fly for seven weeks.

The four-time NBL champion currently only has 50 per cent vision out of the eye.

“My vision is not great at the moment,” Abercrombie said. “It’s pretty blurry out of the bad eye; the problem is the big air bubble in my eye which is like a big blob.

“Unfortunately, they had to put that air bubble in the eye to help it heal, extending the recovery a little bit longer.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve been in years, but there’s nothing I can do to hurry the process up. It’s frustrating and disorienting.

Next Star Rayan Rupert is poised to dive into an increased role for New Zealand due to Abercrombie’s injury, with the 18-year-old impressing with his performances on both ends of the floor during the Blitz.

ESPN’s mock draft currently has Rupert set to be taken in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft.

“Rayan had a fantastic pre-season; probably our best player out there,” Abercrombie said.

“The kid works harder than anyone I’ve ever seen. If he can keep building on that and improving it will be fantastic for us. He’s a terrific talent.”

The Breakers open their NBL campaign with a trip to Melbourne United on Sunday, October 2nd.