Boy, this is a blow to Orlando’s title hopes. There’s a chance that All-Star guard Jameer Nelson could miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum.
Nelson will decide over the next week whether he will have surgery or attempt rehabilitation. If surgery is the option, his season is likely over. If he passes on the surgery, he’ll likely miss several weeks.
“At some point in time, he’s going to have to have surgery. That’s a given. There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it,” Magic general manager Otis Smith said Tuesday.
The best-case scenario for the Magic is that Nelson could return in a matter of weeks without needing surgery, then proceed with an operation in the summer if necessary. The risk with this type of injury, however, is that repeated dislocations can result without surgery to stabilize the shoulder.
Wow, this is the second major injury to a key player of a legitimate title contender in the last week. While the injuries to Nelson and Bynum are very bad news for the Magic and Lakers, respectively, you have to like where the Celtics, Cavs and Spurs are sitting right now.
It’s a tough break for Nelson, who was in the midst of a breakout season. Hopefully, he can rehab and make it back for the playoffs, but only time will tell.
