Shaquille O'Neal to undergo surgery for thumb injury

by John Bena (aka CavsBlogger) on Feb 28, 2010 7:33 PM CST in Cleveland Cavaliers in the News

Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal traveled to Maryland today with Cavaliers Head Team Physician Dr. Richard Parker from The Cleveland Clinic for additional evaluation of his right thumb sprain by Dr. Thomas Graham at the National Hand Center in Baltimore. O'Neal is now scheduled to undergo surgery to repair the thumb Monday morning at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Graham, with Dr. Parker assisting. His status will be updated following the surgery and a time table for his return to play will be established at that point.

O'Neil had surgery on the same thumb in 1995 and missed 22 games while a member of the Orlando Magic. Using that number as a guide, it s a safe bet that O'Neal will likely miss the rest of the regular season.

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This is terrible news.

by Simmsinns on Feb 28, 2010 8:07 PM CST reply actions

I don’t think so. I wish we had Z to replace him but he’ll be back in 3 weeks. It might cost us a couple games in the regular season but that’s not a big deal; we’re already going to be the #1 seed in the East. Getting home court advantage against the Lakers would be nice, of course, but we can still get that. The most important thing is having Shaq back for the playoffs when we really need him. And he’ll have the first round series to get back in the swing of things before we play a team where we really need him.

by Buckeye Brad on Mar 1, 2010 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

I do agree, it’s not disastrous. I just found it to be terrible news as opposed to “No surgery needed, return likely in 8 games,” rather then 8 weeks.

by Simmsinns on Mar 1, 2010 2:42 PM CST up reply actions

dont sweat it Cavs fans

As long as he’s back by the ECFs vs Orlando and possibly against us in the Finals, you’ll be all good. Not like you cant beat any of those other teams without him.

by desecrator09 on Feb 28, 2010 8:38 PM CST reply actions

We would have made it to the ecf even without him. We need him for Orlando and LA, that should be the ECF and the finals, and in even in a worst case scenario Shaq should be back by then. So while not ideal it’s not as terrible as it could have been.

by CavsLebronFan on Feb 28, 2010 8:46 PM CST reply actions

the only drawback to having him back for Orlando or LA

is that he wont be in great shape and Orlando will prolly speed up the game and try to get him tired.

by desecrator09 on Feb 28, 2010 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

to be quite honest, it isn't like shaq is in the greatest of shape anyways

by MagicMark on Feb 28, 2010 9:04 PM CST up reply actions

yeah its gonna be even worse after he sits out for almost 2 months

by desecrator09 on Feb 28, 2010 9:07 PM CST up reply actions

that was witty and original of you

I’d file that right up there with “enjoy LeBron’s final year”

by WaveOcean on Feb 28, 2010 9:41 PM CST up reply actions

It’s his thumb that’s injured. While there is nothing that can replace actual games in keeping you fit i’m sure he’ll be actively training while he’s sidelined.

by CavsLebronFan on Feb 28, 2010 9:55 PM CST up reply actions

Have you followed Shaq?

Doesn’t respond to injuries well. The only time he ever has in recent time was with Phx and their super trainers. So you’ll just have to hope that the Cavs trainers can mimic whatever Phx did.

by Marty Mart on Mar 1, 2010 9:24 AM CST up reply actions

he should be able to still run and around

and get in shape during his absence. of course, it doesnt simulate running up and down during a game, but still… hopefully he can return to normal..

Was it possible for him to just let it rest and heal for a few weeks instead of having surgery? I wonder why they didnt consider that.

by inquisitiveman on Mar 1, 2010 12:03 AM CST reply actions

i read somewhere that he injured that thumb back in his magic days, old wounds don’t heal as fast, at least not when you are 37 years old

by chess_gd on Mar 1, 2010 8:23 AM CST up reply actions

I think Shaq will be back before May

after his surgery today. They said most likely May, but i say mid April

by inquisitiveman on Mar 1, 2010 8:39 PM CST up reply actions

Maybe he can use this time to learn how to shoot free throws

left handed.

Still looking for 1985 Regular Season games on DVD/VHS

by Hardcore Legend on Mar 1, 2010 12:19 AM CST reply actions

This is just another reason for us to hate the Celtics

and that big fat Big Baby! …sigh…except for the fact that the Celtics generallly suck right now and are less of a threat to us as …say…New Jersey.

( BTW, great time to visit the Celtics blog these days. Their fans are positively suicidal……HEY Boston! Are ya healthy yet? We all know you are the best when you are healthy…..yuk..yuk…yuk..)

I'm Polish...what's your excuse?

by Juannieboy on Mar 1, 2010 7:35 AM CST reply actions