The Boston Celtics were working with guard Jabari Bird on getting mental health treatment in the weeks leading up to his arrest on domestic violence charges, a source confirmed to ESPN's Marc J. Spears on Tuesday.
The Boston Herald first reported that Bird was trying to address emotional issues before his Sept. 7 arrest.
Prosecutors allege that Bird strangled a woman at least a dozen times over a four-hour period. The woman told police she was able to leave after Bird passed out with "seizure-like" symptoms.
A source told ESPN that Bird had been receiving treatment with the help of a Celtics doctor and that medication could have played a role in the alleged attack.
According to prosecutors, the woman told police that Bird strangled her and threw her against a wall after they got into an argument at Bird's residence. She said Bird would strangle her until she went "limp," allow her to catch her breath and begin choking her again.
She also said that Bird kicked her multiple times in the stomach and dragged her away from the door when she tried to leave, before shutting her into a bathroom.
At the arraignment, Bird was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery of a family or household member, kidnapping and strangulation.
Bird pleaded not guilty at the hearing and is being held on $50,000 bond. His next court date is set for Oct. 25.
According to the Herald, while the woman was being treated for her injuries, Bird was undergoing a psychiatric evaluation.
The Celtics drafted Bird with the 56th pick in the 2017 draft. The shooting guard spent his rookie season on a two-way contract before being signed to the active roster this summer.
Also on Tuesday, a letter by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts was sent to players around the league reminding them that help with their mental wellness is available.
Several players including All-Stars Kevin Love and DeMar DeRozan last season revealed and detailed their struggles with mental health. Cleveland coach Tyronn Lue also said during the NBA Finals that he was treated for anxiety last season.
Silver and Roberts say that it's critical to know "that it's a sign of strength, not weakness, to ask for help."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.