Jrue Holiday takes indefinite leave of absence from NBA to take care of pregnant wife

NBA star Jrue Holiday has decided to miss a couple of games this season until after his baby girl is delivered and his wife, Lauren, undergoes surgery to treat her brain tumour.

The New Orleans Pelicans point guard said family comes first over basketball in terms of priority as he announced his indefinite leave of absence from the current NBA season.

"I'm obviously blessed to play this game and be in the position I am in, but my wife is the most important thing in the world to me. She comes before anything else," holiday told the The Times-Picayune.

Jrue and Lauren met at UCLA where each of them started their sports career. They eventually became a couple and married in July 2013. The athletic pair is expecting their first born next month. But in June, Lauren, 28, was diagnosed with a benign tumor after experiencing painful headaches in the early stages of her pregnancy.

"Obviously, we were and are still very excited about the birth of our first child, but our focus shifted from having this magnificent blessing to making sure everything is going to be OK with Lauren and the child," Jrue, 26, explained.

"Our priorities right now are being able to manage Lauren's symptoms and still have a fairly healthy pregnancy."

Lauren, a two-time Olympic gold medalist for the US women’s national soccer team, retired last year to focus on starting a family with Jrue. Her brain surgery would need to wait until after she gives birth.

“We are firm believers that people need people. So thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we navigate a difficult time,” Lauren said on Twitter.

New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry said the team supports Jrue’s decision.

"The most important thing for Jrue to do right now is be with his wife and family," he said in a statement.

"Every one of our coaches and players understands what Lauren and Jrue are going through, and they know we're behind them 100 percent. We'll continue to do everything we can to support them and help them get through these hard times."