Skip to content

Wizards' Wittman thinks Nene's foot injury is day-to-day matter

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Nene and the Washington Wizards have been here before.

The Brazilian is dealing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, and one would think both player and team are familiar with how to treat the injury. Nene missed a chunk of time in 2012-13 with plantar fasciitis in his left foot, and also played through right foot injuries a season ago.

Whether due to experience or just blind optimism, the Wizards are thinking positively about Saturday's flare-up that limited Nene to just six minutes of action.

"He went to see a (doctor)," head coach Randy Wittman said Monday. "Just a precautionary thing. I haven't heard back from that. He had some soreness. I think it's day-to-day with that."

Wittman also used one or two games as a potential time frame for Nene's return, which seems very optimistic considering the only remedy for plantar fasciitis is rest, with pain tolerance playing a large part in timetables.

However much time Nene misses, Drew Gooden may stand to draw the starts in his absence, as he did for the season opener. Kris Humphries and Kevin Seraphin have also spent time at the four and have played well to start the season, putting themselves in the mix for extended run.

it won't be easy to replace Nene, who is averaging 10.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 11 games. Over this season and the previous two, the gifted big man has averaged 13.1 points, six rebounds and two assists, shooting 49 percent from the floor. This year, the Wizards have been 8.7 points per-100 possessions better with Nene on the floor than without him.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox