Yi Jianlian has come into his own this season, and after a disappointing December, has responded with a great start to January. He's been averaging 15.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, and has been a key component to the resurgent Nets. Moreover, thanks largely to his countrymen, he's been pushing the legendary Kevin Garnett... for a starter's position at the All-Star game. Well, KG might be able to breathe a little easier, thanks to a disappointing development.
Jianlian is out for three to four weeks with a broken pinkie, according to The Star-Ledger.
Now, that timeline puts Jianlian back in time for the All-Star game, but who knows if he'll make it back by then. Furthermore, I'm sure Coach Frank wouldn't be thrilled with the youngster participating when he could rest. Either way, if Jianlian were to catch KG, it would be pretty embarrassing, even with China's population.
IN terms of actual games that matter, this is another thorn in the Nets' side. They've been dealing with Devin Harris' missing time well, behind a "let's-pretend-it's-a-contract-year" resurgent Vince Carter. But every hit to their frontcourt is bad news. The Nets are becoming some sort of weird version of the Rockets, only not so infuriating.
(UPDATE 8:00 EST: Looks like Yi will definitely miss the All-Star game, he's out 4-6 weeks.)
