kyleung

howard 今季報銷左了

kyleung

HOUSTON (Ticker) - Veteran Houston Rockets forward Juwan Howard will not be back
this season.

Howard on Thursday confirmed a report in the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday
night that he will not play again this campaign due to a viral infection in his
heart.

Howard, who has been on the injured list since March 18 with a sprained right
MCL, had hoped to return for the playoffs. However, doctors told him that he
will not be cleared to play because he developed viral myocarditis.

According to newspaper, the infection will bar Howard from physical activity for
four to six months. Training camp for the 2005-06 season begins in approximately
six months.

"I have been working very hard the past three weeks to rehabilitate my right
knee in order to make a return to the team in time for the playoffs this
season," Howard said. "While the knee is responding well to the treatment, I
will not be able to rejoin the team this season due to an unrelated viral
infection identified as viral myocarditis. This condition caused some
irregularities to my heart rhythm, which have subsequently subsided and returned
to normal.

"However, this will prevent me from participating in conditioning workouts and
games for the next few months. On the advice of my doctors, I will take a
conservative approach for resuming my regular training regimen in order to
ensure a full recovery so that I can be ready for the start of next season. My
physicians have reassured me that there should be no long-term consequences."

Howard has averaged 9.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 61 games this season, his
11th in the NBA and first with the Rockets. He was acquired from Orlando in the
offseason in the deal that also landed Tracy McGrady.

In 791 games with Washington, Dallas, Denver, Orlando and Houston, Howard has
averaged 17.2 points and 7.3 rebounds. He was an All-Star in 1996.

"Obviously, this has been a very difficult and frustrating time for my family
and me," Howard said. "We would very much appreciate your help in respecting our
privacy regarding this matter as we move forward."

At 44-31, the Rockets are one-half game ahead of Denver for sixth place in the
Western Conference standings.