Andrew DeClercq will be undergoing arthroscopic surgery tomorrow to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The surgery is expected to keep DeClercq out for 10-14 days. It is unclear when the injury originally came about, but the timing of the All-Star break could be seen as a way to decrease the amount of games he will miss.
This leaves the starting position open for the time being. No one has been announced as filling the role. The obvious option would be to move Drew Gooden back into the starting lineup and use him and Juwan Howard on the floor at the same time. However, this could be a golden opportunity for Big 'Z' or even Steven Hunter to solidify an arguement for that starting role. Personally, I think Z is deserving enough of the position. The kid is ready for some big time minutes. This would also open the door for Hunter to pick up some good minutes in the reserve role and possibly prove his potential. Hunter did start earlier in the year, but I doubt a move to starting center is begin considered.
3 Comments on "Surgery for Andrew DeClercq"
Looks like Z is going to start and deservedly so. Lets see if he can stay out of foul trouble and maybe become a great man for the future. Hunter will get some minutes too so lets hope he can make the best out of it. This is a great time to start developing these players that have more talent then Declercq.
I agree. I hope Hunter uses the time wisely and finally puts forth the effort that everyone has been expecting from him. I really hope they don't knee-jerk and end up playing Howard/Gooden together for 40 minutes.
For all practical purposes, the season is over for the Orlando Magic; and as I've said all along, nothing is going to change with this particular mix of players until and unless something gives in the franchise management strategy or structure! The best that can be accomplished for the remainder of the season within the current climate is the continued seasoning of the younger players with more playing minutes and the opportunity to get some good solid 'floor' skills; of which I’m skeptical can be melded, given the talent and credentials of the current coaching staff either!