Yi Jianlian’s Knee Picked A Bad Time To Get Injured

Washington Wizards’ free-agent Yi Jianlian is currently living the expression, “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all.”

Yi has been playing with Guangdong of the Chinese Basketball Association during the lockout and in a recent game against Beijing, suffered an injury to his right knee (via NBA247365.com) and will sit out at least two weeks for the knee to heal.

The results show for the medial collateral ligament injury, the initial diagnosis requires at least two weeks of rest. However, the club said Monday [Yi] will also visit Hong Kong for further examination and treatment.

This is the last thing Yi needed heading into the new season. An injury to his MCL might cast doubt on Washington or any would-be suitor for Yi’s services.

However, according to the report, Yi has stated the injury isn’t bad as it may seem.

…not serious! Within two to four weeks will be able to return to play! Thank you for concern!

Two to four weeks huh Yi? You do realize that means you might not be ready for any training camp should your knee recover within that time frame?

Side note: In case you were wondering, the CBA does have a special rule for Yi where he can return to the NBA once the lockout is officially over unlike other locked-out players currently in the CBA.

Last season with Washington, the seven-footer averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and shot 41% from the field in 17.7 minutes. Not at all eye-opening, however, add those meager stats to this injury and you got yourself the making of one “hard sell” to the Wizards or any other team.

However, I am sure an NBA team will want him if anything to add size to the roster and if the injury isn’t as bad as Yi claims, then hopefully this isn’t a set-back for him.

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