McDyess frustrated with slow return

DENVER (AP) -- Antonio McDyess is ready to play, but his left knee isn't cooperating.

The Denver Nuggets' All-Star forward has played four games since missing the season's first 54 because of knee surgery. McDyess didn't have much trouble his first two games back, but tweaked the knee against Utah on Monday.

He was limited to just eight minutes against New York on Thursday because of soreness.

"I understand there's going to be days like this, but it's still frustrating because I want to be able to play hard and do what I used to do," McDyess said Friday. "I just have to fight through it and stay positive."

McDyess was injured during training camp and had surgery on Oct. 12 to repair the patella tendon in his left knee. He planned to return at the end of February after doctors cleared him to play, but Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe stepped in and said McDyess needed more practice time to strengthen the knee.

McDyess returned March 1 against Memphis, scoring seven points in 19 minutes, and followed with 16 points and nine rebounds in 25 minutes against Dallas.

He had 10 points, six rebounds and four steals against Utah on Monday, but was re-injured while trying to block John Stockton's shot in the second quarter. McDyess played just seven minutes in the second half.

Then came his brief appearance Thursday against the Knicks. Nuggets coach Mike Evans said McDyess' status for Saturday's game against Portland will be a game-time decision.

"He did some shooting today, but nothing too strenuous," Evans said. "He's still a little sore. We're just trying to keep the timing he's gained already in practice. Of course it's frustrating for him because he wants to play."

McDyess' return was expected to give Denver a strong inside presence after the Nuggets acquired Juwan Howard in a seven-player trade with Dallas last month, but the two haven't had much time to gel.

"I feel bad for the guy because he's such a hard worker," Howard said after the New York game. "He's doing everything it takes to come back, but sometimes the body doesn't go as quickly as you want it to."

 

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