Thursday, October 21, 2004

Dreaded foot injury has Sonics' Lewis in limbo

Dreaded foot injury has Sonics' Lewis in limbo: "Rashard Lewis has missed three practices and two preseason games in the week since he was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis in his left foot.

He was out again yesterday and still doesn't know when he might be able to play again. In fact, no one does, which is precisely what makes it such a difficult situation, said Sonics coach Nate McMillan.

'That's exactly what is hard about it,' McMillan said. 'What I've experienced with that injury is you don't know how long it will take to get better.'
Lewis went through a shooting workout on Monday and said his foot was sore and tender afterward. He was told yesterday by Mike Shimensky, the team's trainer, that he probably won't be ready to play on Saturday against San Antonio, and McMillan said it wouldn't be a problem if Lewis missed the remaining four preseason games.

Plantar fasciitis kept Wally Szczerbiak out the first 3 1/2 months last season as he missed 44 games. The injury bothered Mateen Cleaves for half a season in Sacramento, getting so severe he couldn't walk without limping.

Those are worst-case scenarios. Sonics guard Ray Allen said he suffered from it one season, but it never kept him out of a game. The severity of the injury varies, and so does the recovery time.

'I'm starting to get concerned as I hear more and more about it. How long this injury can have you out,' Lewis said. 'I think my main goal is I really wanted to play in a couple more preseason games just to get my rhythm and ... work on my game.'"

By DANNY O'NEIL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Seattle Times Article
Tacoma Tribune

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