Former Gator Al Horford Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery
Dec 23, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat point guard Mario Chalmers (15) is defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) under the basket during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 121-119 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Al Horford was poised for a remarkable season but things turned sour this week. He tore his right pectoral muscle last week against Cleveland (an injury that was originally believed to be a mere bruise) and underwent season-ending surgery Tuesday in Atlanta. It is unknown how much time he will miss. Two years ago, he suffered the same injury to his left pectoral muscle after playing only 11 games. Here’s how the 12 former Gators fared this week:
Bradley Beal (2011-2012), Washington Wizards
Although Beal suffered a leg injury which took him out of the fourth quarter of Friday’s loss at Minnesota, he was back at it the next day, helping the Wizards to a win over the Detroit Pistons 106-82. (He underwent a negative MRI test and the diagnosis on his left leg turned out to be a small bone bruise.) In Washington’s four games this week, Beal averaged 13 points and 2.75 rebounds during 26.25 minutes.
Matt Bonner (1999-2003), San Antonio Spurs
Bonner was kept out of Sunday’s game versus Sacramento due to a coach’s decision, but came off the bench for Tuesday’s win over Brooklyn and Thursday’s loss to the Knicks, totaling nine points and five rebounds in 25 minutes of play.
Corey Brewer (2004-2007), Minnesota Timberwolves
The Timberwolves started to turn things around this week with a record of 3-1. Brewer improved from last week as well, scoring 43 points off a 52.9 shooting percentage.
Nick Calathes (2007-2009), Memphis Grizzlies
Calathes recorded one assist during 3 minutes on the floor Saturday versus Denver and did not play Monday or Thursday due to a coach’s decision.
Mike Miller (1998-2000), Memphis Grizzlies
Miller put up his best stats this week during the two Memphis wins over Denver and Phoenix, with 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
Udonis Haslem (1998-2002), Miami Heat
Haslem ended up playing a small but key role in Miami’s 3-point win at Denver this week. Nugget JJ Hickson was unable to inbound the ball within five seconds due to his defense, which led to a turnover for Miami. The Heat then ran out the clock in the final seconds and won 97-94. In Miami’s other two games this week, Haslem totaled eight points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Al Horford (2004-2007), Atlanta Hawks
Horford suffered a right pectoral muscle injury during Saturday’s game versus Charlotte. His surgery on Tuesday ended his season.
David Lee (2001-2005), Golden State Warriors
Lee continued to tear up the court this week, helping Golden State to a 4-0 record. He ended his double-double streak at 10 games when he fell three rebounds short on Friday versus Phoenix, but led both teams in points on Tuesday at Orlando with 22.
Marreese Speights (2006-2008), Golden State Warriors
Speights did his part off the bench for the Warriors this week, averaging 7.75 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Erik Murphy (2009-2013), Chicago Bulls
Murphy played one minute Saturday versus Dallas and scored a field goal, but did not see the floor the next three games due to a coach’s decision.
Joakim Noah (2004-2007), Chicago Bulls
Noah had great individual performances this week for Chicago. He led the Bulls in points with 20 during Saturday’s win over Dallas, both teams in rebounds with 20 in a loss to Toronto and both teams in assists in Thursday’s win over Boston with nine. He also enjoyed two double-doubles during the four-game stretch.
Chandler Parsons (2007-2011), Houston Rockets
Parsons totaled 47 points, 14 rebounds and six assists in 114 minutes this week as the Rockets posted a 1-2 record.
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