Post by John on Jan 12, 2007 20:40:45 GMT -4
From the New Orleans Times Picayune...
For the first time since November, Hornets forward David West practiced with his teammates Thursday. He made post moves against rookie Cedric Simmons and took a number of baseline shots.
After requiring arthroscopic surgery Dec. 20 to remove inflammation of the joint in his right elbow, West was cleared by doctors to practice. It's another sign West is getting close to returning after having missed 28 consecutive games.
Despite the work, West is not expected to play tonight against the Washington Wizards at the Ford Center. He will go through a few more practices before a decision is made whether he will return before the end of next week.
"The big test with all these milestones is how he feels the following day," Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said. "We're happy with what he was able to do today, and without a doubt it's another big step that we've been looking forward to. Hopefully (today), he will still feel good."
Two weeks ago, West was shooting free throws with his left hand. Now, he's taking 17-footers with his right, his shooting hand. Last week, doctors gave him the OK to begin shooting.
With West out, the Hornets have gone 9-19. He was the team's top scorer last season with a 17.1 average and finished as runner-up for the league's Most Improved Player award.
"The biggest thing is to make sure that I'm ready," West said after Thursday's practice. "I don't want to overwork it or put too much strain on it. We just want to make sure that I'm going forward, not backward. I'm going to keep working out with the guys.
"If I can come back next week, it would be good. I just want to be able to help the team out, because we're still in position where we can win some games and make the rest of the season interesting."
West initially began having problems with his elbow during a Nov. 10 game in Portland. Despite the problem, he played two days later against the Los Angeles Clippers. But after that game, swelling in West's elbow became so severe that it pushed on the nerves of his forearm.
Initially, the Hornets' doctors diagnosed West's injury as a right forearm strain. He went through weeks of taking anti-inflammatory medication with surgery considered as a last option. Despite the treatment and medication, the swelling persisted, causing surgery to be required.
"It was good to see him go through a little contact and take some shots," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said. "He still remembers the offense and all that stuff, so I knew he wouldn't have any problem with that. We want to make sure his elbow and arm is strong enough and his conditioning is up to par."
For the first time since November, Hornets forward David West practiced with his teammates Thursday. He made post moves against rookie Cedric Simmons and took a number of baseline shots.
After requiring arthroscopic surgery Dec. 20 to remove inflammation of the joint in his right elbow, West was cleared by doctors to practice. It's another sign West is getting close to returning after having missed 28 consecutive games.
Despite the work, West is not expected to play tonight against the Washington Wizards at the Ford Center. He will go through a few more practices before a decision is made whether he will return before the end of next week.
"The big test with all these milestones is how he feels the following day," Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower said. "We're happy with what he was able to do today, and without a doubt it's another big step that we've been looking forward to. Hopefully (today), he will still feel good."
Two weeks ago, West was shooting free throws with his left hand. Now, he's taking 17-footers with his right, his shooting hand. Last week, doctors gave him the OK to begin shooting.
With West out, the Hornets have gone 9-19. He was the team's top scorer last season with a 17.1 average and finished as runner-up for the league's Most Improved Player award.
"The biggest thing is to make sure that I'm ready," West said after Thursday's practice. "I don't want to overwork it or put too much strain on it. We just want to make sure that I'm going forward, not backward. I'm going to keep working out with the guys.
"If I can come back next week, it would be good. I just want to be able to help the team out, because we're still in position where we can win some games and make the rest of the season interesting."
West initially began having problems with his elbow during a Nov. 10 game in Portland. Despite the problem, he played two days later against the Los Angeles Clippers. But after that game, swelling in West's elbow became so severe that it pushed on the nerves of his forearm.
Initially, the Hornets' doctors diagnosed West's injury as a right forearm strain. He went through weeks of taking anti-inflammatory medication with surgery considered as a last option. Despite the treatment and medication, the swelling persisted, causing surgery to be required.
"It was good to see him go through a little contact and take some shots," Hornets Coach Byron Scott said. "He still remembers the offense and all that stuff, so I knew he wouldn't have any problem with that. We want to make sure his elbow and arm is strong enough and his conditioning is up to par."