MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Bucks guard T.J. Ford was ruled out for the rest of the season Thursday because he's recovering from spinal surgery.
Ford's spinal cord bruise continues to improve but has not healed enough for him to start any type of basketball activity, the
team said after consulting with doctors. He has missed the entire
season for the Bucks (12-21).
Ford, the eighth overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft, had surgery May 5. He was injured when he was knocked down going to the basket in a February 2004 game against Minnesota and was carried off the court on a stretcher.
He was leading all rookies in assists and ranked ninth overall in that category last season before he was hurt. He averaged 7.1 points, 6.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds.
Without him, the Bucks lost 15 of their final 27 games last season.
During his rehabilitation, Ford has done cardiovascular and weight training and attended practice sessions and most road trips. He is on the injured list.