Add another player to the growing list of injured members on the Seattle SuperSonics’ roster, as the team limps to the end of the season.
Swingman Mickael Gelabale suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during practice on Tuesday and is done for the season, and likely will not be ready for the beginning of training camp in the fall.
ACL reconstructive knee surgeries usually require an eight-to-nine-month rehabilitation period.
An MRI performed Wednesday revealed the tear. Team physicians confirmed the injury on Thursday morning, according to Seattle general manager Sam Presti.
“It’s certainly disappointing for our team, and for Mickael,” Presti said. “We are looking forward to a diligent rehab and full recovery. We have confidence that Mickael will work diligently through the rehab process to return to the court as soon as possible.”
Making the situation even tougher for Gelabale, he will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season. Gelabale makes $800,000 this year.
After mostly sitting on the sidelines the first half of the season, Gelabale had seen more playing time since being recalled from the Idaho Stampede, Seattle’s Development League affiliate.
The lanky, 6-foot-6 guard appeared in 39 games for the Sonics this season, averaging 4.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per contest. The 48th overall pick in the 2005 draft, Gelabale, 24, appeared in 109 regular season games in his two seasons with the team, holding career averages of 4.5 points and 2.1 rebounds.
The loss of Gelabale is the latest in a series of injuries that has Seattle down to nine healthy players.
Center Robert Swift suffered a torn meniscus in his surgically repaired right knee and is finished for the season. Center Francisco Elson is still nursing a right ankle sprain and will not join the Sonics on its weekend road trip to Los Angeles and Utah.
Chris Wilcox re-injured his right pinkie finger and will be a game-time decision on Friday. And Nick Collison is banged up and also will be a game-time decision tonight against the Lakers.
Wilcox said he may seek a second opinion on his finger injury while in Los Angeles.
Even though he has pain in his finger, Wilcox said he’s leaning toward playing with the injury.
“It’s hard to stay away from the game you love,” Wilcox said. “Our team is struggling right now, and I’m a part of that, you feel me? And I want to help.”
Wilcox also has been playing well, averaging 15.4 points and 7.2 rebounds in the past 10 games.
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