NBA Player News

Thursday, May 23

• 05/23/13 - 7:37AM ETGreivis Vasquez : Scheduled to Undergo Ankle Surgery

  Vasquez is scheduled to undergo a cleanup procedure on both of his ankles, True Hoop reports. He could miss three-to-four months to fully recover from the procedure.

  Vasquez is in a precarious position with the Pelicans. He was the starting point guard when healthy this season, but the team drafted Austin Rivers with the 10th pick in last year's draft, and Rivers believes his best position is point guard. Depending on the Pelicans' plans next season, Vasquez's inability to practice and improve for the better part of the off-season could open the door for Rivers to claim the starting point guard role next season. Vasquez is under contract with the Pelicans for at least one more season, and the team can extend him a qualifying offer in 2014-15 to keep his free agency restricted.

• 05/23/13 - 7:17AM ETJ.R. Smith : Fluid in Knee to Blame for Struggles

  Smith has fluid build in his left knee that may have contributed to his poor shooting performance in the playoffs, the NY Post reports.

  Smith is supposed to get the fluid drained from his in the near future, and he should be fine after that. Everything in the Post's report suggests that draining the knee and resting it for a short period of time should relieve any stiffness or swelling. Smith is expected to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has said he wants to remain a Knick, but it'd be somewhat surprising if Smith isn't able to spin his Sixth Man of the Year Award into a decent long-term contract.

Wednesday, May 22

• 05/22/13 - 7:35PM ETCarmelo Anthony : Small Shoulder Tear

  Anthony underwent an MRI that revealed he's been suffering from a small left shoulder tear that may require surgery, the New York Daily News reports.

  Anthony first aggravated the shoulder injury near the tail end of the Knicks' first-round series against the Celtics, which may explain his relatively wretched string of shooting performances during the Round 2 series loss to the Pacers. In any case, if such a procedure is required, it wouldn't seem likely to jeopardize Anthony's chances of being ready to play for the regular season.

• 05/22/13 - 2:52PM ETEnes Kanter : Bouncing Back From Shoulder Woes

  Kanter's recovery from April's surgery to repair a dislocated left shoulder is going well, but he may not receive clearance to take the court until August, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

  Thus, Kanter will definitely miss the Orlando Summer League, which takes place from July 7-12. However, he was unlikely to have participated, even if fully healthy, according to his agent. The impending free agency of both Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap could result in Kanter earning a starting gig with the Jazz, but the offseason will have to hash itself out before that is determined.

• 05/22/13 - 10:08AM ETTony Parker : MRI on Tap

  Parker will have a precautionary MRI on his left calf Thursday, the San Antonio Express-News reports.

  The examination is nothing to worry about, as the Spurs' medical staff is monitoring the progress of Parker's recovery from the ailment. In the five outings since the injury arose, he has averaged 18 points (on 39.8 percent shooting), 9.6 assists, three rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 37.2 minutes. If the injury is affecting him, he is not showing it in any discernible fashion.

• 05/22/13 - 8:42AM ETDwyane Wade : (Knee) Playing Wednesday

  Wade (knee) will in fact take the court for Wednesday's Game 1 against Indiana, the Associated Press reports.

  After missing the clinching game of the first round versus Milwaukee, Wade has gutted out the past five games, even logging 37 points in the Game 5 victory over Chicago. The bone bruises in his right knee could rear their ugly head again during Miami's playoff run, but for now, he is good to go for the Eastern Conference Finals.

Sunday, May 19

• 05/19/13 - 3:58PM ETDavid Lee : Surgery on Tap

  Lee plans to have surgery to repair a torn right hip flexor in the coming weeks, the Associated Press reports. He is expected to be ready for training camp.

  Aside from the injury, Lee had a splendid season, averaging 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game in 79 games. He's developed into a nice low-post scorer with a mid-range game and an ability to draw fouls. He's often knocked for playing sub-standard defense, but there's no doubting his impact offensively.

• 05/19/13 - 12:23PM ETDwyane Wade : Practicing Fully

  Wade was a full participant during Sunday's practice, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

  Sunday's practice was of the light variety, but nonetheless, Wade said he is good to go. He played 37 minutes in Wednesday's Game 5, so the knee appears to be holding up. Continue to start him as you normally would.