T.J. Ford's troublesome neck has become a greater concern for the Toronto Raptors as the point guard has left the team to see a specialist in New York.
Ford, who suffers from a condition that results in a weakened spinal cord, has been seeing doctors since reinjuring his neck in a frightening fall during a game Dec. 12 at Atlanta.
T.J. Ford is tended to by a Hawks trainer before heading to hospital after being hurt in a Dec. 12 game at Atlanta.
(John Bazemore/Associated Press)
He saw his former surgeon, Dr. Robert Watkins, in Los Angeles when the Raptors were there to play the Clippers this week. He then flew to New York to see orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick O'Leary on Wednesday.
"We are consulting with a number of specialists to get as much information as possible regarding T.J.'s condition," Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo said in a statement. "Once enough information is
compiled, we will chart a course for his return to basketball activity."
There have been no reports on Ford's medical visits, and he is out indefinitely. He missed his fifth consecutive game Wednesday, a 101-96 loss at Portland.
The neck injury is the latest in a string of similar setbacks for the flashy guard, who suffers from spinal stenosis — a narrowing of the openings of the vertebra.
After being drafted eighth overall in 2003 by the Milwaukee Bucks, the University of Texas product missed half his rookie season and all of the 2004-05 campaign with the Bucks after undergoing neck surgery.
He has suffered three neck injuries since joining the Raptors via a trade in the summer of 2006, including two this season.
Ford inked a three-year extension worth as much as $33 million US with the Raptors in October 2006. He went on to average 14.0 points and 7.9 assists and helped the team to its first Atlantic Division title last season.
In 17 games this season, Ford is averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 assists.
With files from the Canadian PressRelated
More Basketball Headlines »
- Bobby Jones waived by Nuggets
- The Denver Nuggets waived second-year swingman Bobby Jones on Monday.
- Shaquille O'Neal eyes Tuesday return to Heat
- Miami Heat centre Shaquille O'Neal flew Monday to Los Angeles to seek medical treatment for a hip injury that has sidelined him the past five games.
- King James, Cavaliers crown Raptors
- LeBron James scored 24 points in the fourth quarter to guide the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers to a come-from-behind 93-90 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Sunday afternoon.
- Red-hot Pistons too strong for Raptors
- The Detroit Pistons continued the NBA's longest winning streak after soundly defeating the Toronto Raptors 101-85 Friday night at the Air Canada Centre.
- Injured Garbajosa feeling 'no pain'
- Forward Jorge Garbajosa finally rejoined his Toronto Raptors teammates on Friday after undergoing surgery on his left leg last month.
More Sports Headlines »
- Roger Clemens plays tape of McNamee
- Roger Clemens played a taped telephone conversation for reporters Monday in which his former trainer, who accused him of using steroids, said, "I will go to jail, I will do whatever you want."
- Flyers' Downie won't be suspended by NHL
- NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell spoke with rookie forward Steve Downie, but decided not to hit the Flyers forward with a ban for sucker-punching Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake.
- Oilers try to close gap in Northwest
- Sitting in the Northwest Division basement, the Edmonton Oilers will attempt to make up some ground when they host the New York Islanders on Monday night.
- Mason joins Blue Jackets after winning gold
- National Hockey League prospect Steve Mason was summoned by the Columbus Blue Jackets Monday, just two days after leading Canada to a gold medal at the world junior hockey championship.
- Gainey wants more from Canadiens on faceoffs
- Montreal Canadiens general manager Bob Gainey has put out the challenge to his defensive centres: Improve in the faceoff circle or you might be replaced.
Sports Features
- NBARaptors Basketball
- Sun, Jan. 13 at 12:30 pm ET: Portland at Toronto
Blog Watch
Most Blogged about CBC.ca Articles
Note: CBC does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites - link will open in new window
