WASHINGTON - Washington Wizards swingman Jarvis
Hayes underwent surgery to repair a non-healed right patella
fracture on Tuesday.
Hayes, who has missed the team's last 29 games, will be
re-evaluated in six to eight weeks. No timetable has been set
for his return.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Stephen Haas, Dr. Marc Connell
and Dr. Ben Shaffer at Sibley Hospital in Washington.
"I am obviously disappointed," Hayes said. "I was looking
forward to getting back on the floor with my teammates, but
I've learned that this is the best way to get me back and ready
to play. I'm going to work hard during the rehabilitation
process and I'm looking forward to rejoining the team."
Hayes sustained the injury in a December 16 game against the Los
Angeles Lakers.
"Jarvis is a big part of our team and it is unfortunate that
this injury hasn't healed properly," Wizards general manager
Ernie Grunfeld said. "After reviewing Jarvis' progress, it was
decided that the best course of action was to have the injury
surgically repaired. We expect Jarvis to make a full recovery."
The 10th overall pick in the 2003 draft, Hayes started 13 of 21
games this season and averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 rebounds.