The worst-case scenario did not occur. But Antawn Jamison might still miss substantial time because of a sprained left knee.
An MRI Thursday revealed the sprain, but no surgery is needed and Jamison will miss three to six weeks. He hurt the knee in a 104-99 win over Detroit on Jan. 30.
Jamison is averaging 19.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. He had recently said he felt “mentally fatigued” after spending the summer traveling with the U.S. National Team and then getting less than a month off before training camp.
The Wizards (27-18) currently have the best record in the Eastern Conference.
“I’m obviously disappointed that this happened,” said Jamison in a statement. “We have been playing very good basketball as a team. I was really starting to get in a good groove, so it’s frustrating that I’ll have to miss some time, but injuries are a part of the game. It’s difficult for me because of the timing.”
Without Jamison, the Wizards likely will likely take a slightly more defensive focus. They failed in their first attempt to do that against Toronto on Wednesday, losing 119-109.
Calvin Booth started for Jamison on Wednesday, though the Wizards also can start Jarvis Hayes, depending on the matchups. Second-year forward Andray Blatche also is expected to get more time.
“Antawn is having another exceptional year,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said in a statement. “We certainly feel for Antawn, who has played a big part in our team’s success, but we have confidence in our players and we’ll look for others to step up when given the opportunity in Antawn’s absence.”
Jamison missed 14 games two years ago and had surgery on his right knee after the playoffs.
Butler to join Arenas in Vegas
At the end of last season, Caron Butler saw what he could become: an All Star. So he shed some more weight, worked harder in the weight room and joined Gilbert Arenas for extra shooting sessions.
Now Butler will join Arenas, who was voted to start, in Las Vegas. Butler was named an All-Star reserve for the Feb. 18th game, his first time in the game.
“I worked on everything [this summer],” Butler said, “ball-handling, extending my range, free-throw shooting. All of the things that make you a better, more complete player. I worked on it all. I dedicated my time last summer and look what came of it.”
Butler, who lost approximately 15 pounds this summer, is averaging career-highs in points (20.6) and rebounds (8.0). He’s averaging a team best 2.1 steals a game. He’s also the only player in the NBA averaging at least 20 points, eight rebounds and two steals a game. His 18 double-doubles lead the Wizards.
It’s the second time in three years that Washington has had two All Stars. Arenas and Jamison both made it two years ago.
Wizards coach Eddie Jordan will coach the East team, if Washington has the best record in the conference as of Sunday. Or if Detroit is first and the Wizards are second; Pistons coach Flip Saunders coached the team last year and cannot repeat. — John Keim
