Recovering Songaila Makes Small Steps
Thursday, January 4, 2007; Page E08
Forward Darius Songaila has been cleared to perform light shooting drills and continues to make slow, steady progress after undergoing surgery to repair a herniated disk in his lower back on Nov. 2.
The Wizards have not established a firm timetable for Songaila's return but a team source indicated that he likely won't begin practicing until after the all-star break.
TRACKING THE WIZARDS Andray Blatche will attend 'John School,' a day-long seminar on the ills of solicitation. The Wizards re-sign forward Andray Blatche to a multiyear deal. After a delay, the Wizards finalize a trade of guard Juan Carlos Navarro to Memphis for a draft pick. Wizards Insider Ivan Carter and Michael Lee with exclusive coverage and analysis on the Washington Wizards. NBA Basics |
Songaila is still limited to non-contact drills but has been able to do conditioning work. "I'm just doing a little bit more every day," Songaila said. "So far, so good."
The Wizards are still waiting for injured center Etan Thomas, who missed his 11th straight game with a left ankle sprain. Thomas, who averaged 7.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.4 minutes as a starter in the first 20 games, could return by the end of the week.
Coach Eddie Jordan has not indicated whether Thomas would return as a starter or come off the bench behind Brendan Haywood, who made his 10th start against the Bucks last night.
Forward Michael Ruffin, who missed his 21st straight game with a sprained right foot, continues to wear a walking boot to and from Verizon Center and has been limited to work on a stationary bike. The team has not set a timetable for Ruffin's return.
One More to Go
The Wizards and Bucks play once more, April 1 at Milwaukee. The series has been competitive: Neither team has swept the season series since the Bullets won all four meetings during the 1974-75 season.
