Basketball Daily

The Phoenix Suns explosive power forward Amare Stoudemire aggravated his ankle in a pickup game a few days ago.  Amare had suffered a second degree ankle sprain while in a scrimmage game in late July.  His ankle was thought to be healed but he re-aggravated the sprain and will likely be limited to certain activities until he has been diagnosed as fully recovered.

Amare is one of the premier power forwards in the league and his career statistics so far are 54% field goal shooting, 21.0 points per game, 9.1 rebounds per game, 1.5 blocks per game and 1.3 assists per game.

It is imperative that Amare be 100% coming into this season, for the Suns to have any chance at a Playoff title.  The aging Shaq and Nash will need all the help they can get from their talented 245 pound power house.

Jason Williams a one time winner of an NBA Championship with the Miami Heat announced his retirement after being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers several weeks ago.  Williams was drafted in 1998 by the Sacramento Kings and has played in the league for 10 years.

Jason the 6′ 1″ 180 pound trickster ended his career with averages of 39% field goal shooting, 32% three point shooting, 81% free throw shooting, 11.4 points per game, 6.3 assists per game, 1.2 steals per game and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Coming out of college Williams was notable for his flare, spark and determination.  He did other things other point guards wouldn’t try.  This also marked him as a hot-dogger and a turnover liability.  It was always entertaining watching his skills and he will be missed on the court by many.

The defensive specialist of the Houston Rockets, Shane Battier is probably going to miss the entire pre-season due to inflammation in his left foot.  The inflammation occurred during rehabilitation from surgery he had this summer to remove bone spurs on his foot.  He is expected to be sidelined for up to 4 weeks.

The 30 year old Duke graduate played for the Memphis Grizzlies the first 5 years of his career before getting traded to the Rockets.  His career averages so far are 45% field goal shooting, 38% beyond the arc shooting, 10.3 points per game, 4.8 rebounds per game and 1.2 steals per game.

It is probably wise for Shane to rest and take it easy so he will be ready for the start of the 2008-2009 NBA season.