HOOPSWORLD | Basketball News & NBA Rumors

by Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports

WASHINGTON – Nearly 36 hours removed from a surprising victory against the defending champion Miami Heat, Washington Wizards coach Randy Wittman felt relaxed.

“I talked to you guys yesterday,” Wittman said Thursday, wondering what more he could add a day later with nothing but a practice in between two meetings with reporters.

That free and easy feeling fled and turned into a moment of panic when a reporter asked Wittman this of injured point guard John Wall:

“He’s coming back this season?” a reporter asked.

“God, I hope so. What do you mean? What kind of statement is that?” Wittman bellowed. “God darn, you’re scaring the (expletive) out of me.”

When the mere thought of not having Wall for the entire season subsided, Wittman said, “I’m not looking at it like that.”

So while Wittman anticipates Wall’s return this season, the question remains when will it happen? On Sept. 28, the 2-13 Wizards announced Wall would miss approximately eight weeks after being diagnosed with the “early stages of a stress injury to his left patella (kneecap). No surgery will be necessary, and his rehab will begin immediately.”

The eight-week mark passed on Nov. 23, and it is now 10 weeks since the Wizards announced Wall’s injury. To be fair, the Wizards said “approximately,” allowing for room on either side of the timetable, and Wittman indicated he was under the impression the timetable was more like 8-12 weeks.

“We’re not hiding anything here,” Wittman said.

Wall is on the court, doing minimal work, but he is not participating in high-impact, full-court drills or scrimmages. While Wall was not available to speak to reporters Thursday, he left the Wizards’ practice court with a smile.

“John’s not going to miss a beat on anything we’re doing or trying to do without him because we’re going to use him a lot like I did last year when he comes back – his ability to quicken the pace all by himself,” Wittman said.

It has been a difficult spell for the Wizards and Wall. After working on his jump shot with shooting coach Dave Hopla in the offseason and an impressive showing for the U.S. … [For more on No timetable for John Wall return to Washington Wizards, click here.]