Antawn Jamison to Miss 3-5 Weeks

The Wizards confirmed today what many already suspected: Antawn Jamison will open the season on the sidelines. Jamison injured his right shoulder in a preason game on Oct. 14 while attempting to block a shot. After being re-evaluated, the original diagnosis of a subluxation was confirmed, which is the technical way of saying his shoulder briefly popped out of its socket. In addition to the time he's already missed, he's expected to miss another three-to-five weeks.

It's a fluke injury and one that shouldn't pose any long-term effects, but it's certainly disappointing news for the Wizards, who are hoping to get back into the playoffs after a dismal 19-win season last year. Ironically enough, Jamison was one of the few players who escaped major injury last season, appearing in 81 games.

Fortunately, though, the Wizards have reinforcements to help shoulder the load this time around: despite some minor nicks and illnesses in training camp, Gilbert Arenas (who missed 80 games last year), Brendan Haywood (76) and Caron Butler (15) should start the regular season healthy and ready to play.