Career in danger

Spurs pick Javtokas seriously injured in motorcycle wreck

VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) -- Lithuanian center Robertas Javtokas, a second-round draft pick of the San Antonio Spurs last year, was in a motorcycle wreck that could end his playing career.

Javtokas' motorcycle collided with a minivan at a high speed Wednesday, according to Dr. Manvilius Kocius of the Vilnius University Hospital. Javtokas' thighbone was crushed, and his shoulder, knee and kidneys were injured in the crash. He was in serious but stable condition Friday.

Javtokas' helmet probably saved his life, Kocius said.

"I can only say now that he will survive," he said. "Will he ever play again? We don't know."

The 6-foot-10 Javtokas played eight games at Arizona in 2000-01. After being drafted 56th overall by the Spurs, Javtokas returned to Lithuania to play.

R.C. Buford, the Spurs' assistant general manager, on Friday called Javtokas "an intriguing prospect," though he said the primary concern now is that there are no lasting ramifications from the accident.

"He's one of the best big men in Europe, with great athletic skill for a European big guy," Buford said. "By consensus of the basketball people in Europe that I've talked to, he'd made great strides over the last year."

 

Related information
Stories
Duncan available for Spurs; Robinson possible
Multimedia
Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video
Search our site	Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day
	Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV.