Josh Howard Needs Ankle Surgery

[DC4]

The injury update on Josh Howard sounds ominous.

Arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle will be required sooner or later. That's the team saying that, not amateur physicians in the media. The Mavericks hope any procedure is later, not sooner.

Even if it is, he will require a cortisone shot later this week and it will be at least next week before he is cleared to practice.

Coach Rick Carlisle said it was "unlikely" Howard would play next week.

It has become clear that the only priority is trying to get him healthy by the time the playoffs start. Surgery would be the worst setback. If that can be delayed until the off-season, Howard should be able to play at some point.

"We're hoping for the best," Carlisle said. "But there are no guarantees."

The numbers suggest that's true. The telling statistic is that the Mavericks are 7-6 against winning teams when Howard has not played.

18.0 PPG 4.9 RPG 1.6 APG

 

[Mexi]

lol Maple always says how they're better without him.
the last line looks bad

They need him in the playoffs if they want to get to round 2

 

[MapleLeaf]

look at AI's stats......

we are better without him. record with him and out him show to.

JH5 takes so many dumb shots, and when he's gone, we get those possessions back and we play more as a team.

Plus, JH5 is nothing but a first quarter scorer. Whenever he scored in the second half you're almost awed because he never does it.

 

[Mexi]

7-6 against winning teams without him
you need him if you want to win.

 

[MapleLeaf]

we're 9-12 against .500 teams or better with him.......

we are better without him....it shows to..he wastes so many possessions with silly shots. He's a cancer and he's most likely gonna be moved next year with his expiring