Okay, so basically, we're going to take this one in two strides. First, we'll do the half-full version for any Wizards fans who might be reading as to not send them airborne, and then we'll do the half-empty version for the sadists among us.Fresh off finding out that Gilbert Arenas had more surgery and won't be back for a while, the Wizards headed toward their first preseason game with the same "us-against-the-world" attitude that got them to the fifth seed last year without Arenas. Then center Brendan Haywood sprained his wrist in practice. No problem, there's a good chance he'll be back in a few weeks. And now, not five minutes into their first preseason game, Antawn Jamison hits the deck with what is being described as a strained knee.
Luckily, there's a good chance neither injury will be serious. Barring any severe second opinions or terrible MRI results, both players should be back within the month.
Okay, Wizards fans, that's all you need to hear, you can head back to whatever you were doing before. Drive safely.
...
Allright, here's the deal. While the X-ray on Jamison was negative, he is scheduled to have an MRI tomorrow. And given the Wizards' history with knee injuries, do you feel all that good about this turning out to be nothing serious? Haywood is a bigger concern. Tomorrow he's having a second opinion done on the wrist after a hand specialist today recommended surgery that would sideline the emerging center for four to six months. So just to recap, there's at least a remote possibility that the Wizards could start the season without Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, or Brendan Haywood. Ye Gods.
Like I said, there's a good chance things could work out fine for the Wizards. But if I were you, I'd have that eraser ready for the playoff board and the Miami Heat marker ready to write.
Needless to say, Bullets Forever isn't taking it well. Strength in numbers, friends.
UPDATE: Jamison's injury has been downgraded to a strained knee, not a sprain. Like I said, nothing to worry about, Wiz fans!
