John Wall out at least eight weeks with a stress injury in knee

Feb. 20, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall during game against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Wizards 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

On Thursday night, John Wall was supposed to attend a dinner honoring former Kentucky Wildcat basketball coach John Calipari as he received the innaugural  Nell and John Wooden Coach of the Year Leadership Award.  Calipari received the award and Wall was something of a late scratch.  Now we know why.  Seems that Wall is out for at least eight weeks after being diagnosed with being diagnosed with the early stages of a non-traumatic stress injury in his knee.  The injury will not require surgery but will keep Wall on the sidelines until at least December.  Wall released a statement today:

“My teammates and I are all excited to build on the improvement we made at the end of last season, and I know they will continue to make great progress while I get through this setback.  I will work extremely hard to make sure I get back as soon as possible so I can re-join them and help our team continue to improve.”

It’s a tough break for Wall and the Wizards as Wall was being counted on to help the Washington compete for a playoff spot this year.  An earlier statement by Wall shows he knows what was at stake this year:

“I think the pieces we have is great, but I think for us to take that next step, it’s going to be keyed on me.  Your third year is a key year. It makes or breaks you, what you’re going to be in the this league. This is a big year for me.”