2 minute read
Sports
Sports Off Court All Star
Huntersville physician cares for members of pro sports teams
BY MARTIN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTIN ROSE
Dr. Joe Garcia knew from seventh grade his calling was a sports medicine doctor. “I loved sports as a kid. And I always wanted to practice medicine,” he says. He recalls reading about an injured NBA basketball star and his doctor’s role in recovery. “I told my dad that day I wanted to be a sports medicine doctor. I never wavered from that path.”
Today, he lives that dream out as the Charlotte Hornets team physician. “I have a dream job,” he says. “I work for owner Michael Jordan. I meet hundreds of NBA players, coaches and staff. I travel the world.”
You’d think running a family and sports medicine practice at Novant Health Lakeside Family Physicians in Huntersville along with Hornets’ responsibility would be daunting, but Dr. Garcia also serves as team physician for the Charlotte Checkers hockey team, four Joe Gibbs race teams and seven high school athletic departments.
All in the family
Medicine is a family tradition. His grandfather graduated from Spain’s University of Madrid Medical School in 1915. His father followed in 1956 and mom was a nurse.
Asked how many Hornets game he attends typically, he laughs, “By my count, I have attended 740 consecutive games. The only game I ever missed was in 2005 to attend my father’s funeral.”
His role on the team is vital. President of Basketball Operations & General Manager Mitch Kupchak calls Dr. Garcia “the key medical professional we cannot do without when it comes to the health and safety of the Hornets players and staff.”
The Curry connection
Dr. Garcia started with the original Charlotte Hornets (now the New Orleans Pelicans) in 1997-98. The team ball boys were 8- and 9-year-olds Steph and Seth Curry. Yes, the same Currys now starring for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks, respectively. “Coach Dave Cowens would get so mad because those two were always dribbling a basketball when he was trying to talk to the players. Thump. Thump. Thump. It never stopped. They always had a ball.”
Reflecting on his years as team physician, Dr. Garcia is most thankful for the hundreds of amazing players and coaches he has met. He still keeps in touch with many. “People like to categorize NBA players as egotistic maniacs,” he said. “That’s just not the case. So many players are unbelievable human beings off the court, but they chose to avoid publicity and keep their good deeds private.
“I get attached to the players and their families,” continues Dr. Garcia. “I take care of their moms, kids, wives and girlfriends. House calls are the norm. My job is to have them ready to play and they know they can call me day or night, year-round.”
