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Washington Wizards center Dwight Howard won’t be on the court anytime soon.
The Wizards have released an official statement about Howard’s injury update, saying the big man has undergone an L4-L5 lumbar microdisectomy.
The procedure went as planned with no complications.
The procedure was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins in Marina Del Rey, CA, and was recommended after consultation with Dr. Watkins and Wizards Director of Medical Services and Orthopedist Dr. Wiemi Douoguih determined that the disc herniation was causing severe nerve irritation and gluteal pain.
Howard’s progress will be re-evaluated in approximately two to three months.
While considered a “minimally invasive” procedure by the Mayfield Clinic, the L4-L5 lumbar microdisectomy will leave Howard sidelined for approximately 2 months – a grim sign for a player who has been sidelined for most of the first quarter of the season.
Howard, who was signed this past summer, has appeared in only nine games for Washington. Howard has averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in 25.6 minutes per game in nine appearances this season in which the Wizards have won only four.
He dealt with a pain stemming from his piriformis muscle in the preseason, but was able to make his debut on November 1st against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He wasn't under any minutes restriction but was still unable to sit down comfortably. Howard left the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 18th with gluteal soreness and has been out since.
This news only adds to the already lengthy list of Wizards’ issues this season. Both John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter have been at the center of trades rumors, true or false, with interest in the latter heating up to a fever pitch. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Beal’s age, contract, and skill set on the court have all made him a very attractive prospect for many teams, but John Wall’s prospects are much more limited.
The Wizards are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference at 8-13 on the season. They won't get any breaks as they face the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets in their next couple of games, each teams with elite big men who can cause Washington problems.
Dwight Howard’s injury will be re-evaluated for progress in three months.