Jan Vesely Injury Update: Wizards Rookie May Make His Debut Against Magic

The Washington Wizards are getting ready to take on the Orlando Magic in Orlando, and they could see the sixth pick of the NBA draft, forward Jan Vesely make his NBA and Wizards debut in some capacity, according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post.

Jan Vesely practiced without complications past 2 days & will likely dress vs. ORL. Flip said JV might play to foul Dwight Howard #wizards

— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) January 4, 2012

While Vesely will dress for the game, it looks like his role will be to play "Hack-a-Dwight" to put Orlando's star player on the free throw line, rather than let him rack up points in the paint and catch ally-oops from point guard Jamar Nelson. Vesely had been dealing with some discomfort in his hip that has caused him to miss the beginning of the season.

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Jan Vesely Injury Update: Washington Wizards' Forward Reportedly Feels 'Better,' Could Return To Action Soon

Jan Vesely, the Washington Wizards' high-flying rookie forward, is feeling "better" in his sore right hip and could return to the court soon, Michael Lee of the Washington Post reported Tuesday. Vesely played in the Wizards' first preseason game, but has "been unable to fully practice" since then.

Vesely told Lee he got the flu last week, which prevented him from traveling with the team on its road trip. Oddly, the flu may have helped his hip recover. "I think maybe it helped a little bit. I rest like two days. I didn’t do anything. Everything slowed down and I feel better," said the Czech Republic native.

Vesely could return to the floor later in the week, if his workouts continue to go well. "I'll see," he said of the possibility of returning.

The Wizards selected Vesely No. 6 overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. Despite his absence, Washington remains well stocked at small forward, with Rashard Lewis and Chris Singleton earning minutes there, and Nick Young sliding over for spot minutes as well.

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Jan Vesely Injury: Washington Wizards' Rookie Unlikely To Play With Hip Ailment, Flip Saunders Says

The Washington Wizards will open their 2011-12 season against the New Jersey Nets on Monday night, but they will likely do so without one of their shiny new toys. Jan Vesely, the No. 6 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, will not play in the game due to a hip injury, coach Flip Saunders said before the game, via Craig Stouffer of the Washington Examiner.

Vesely suffered the hip injury some time between the Wizards' first and second preseason games. He played in the Wizards' game on December 16, but sat out the team's open scrimmage the next day and also missed Washington's preseason game in Philadelphia on December 20.

The Wizards are deep at small forward, Vesely's primary position. Rashard Lewis will start, while fellow rookie Chris Singleton and veteran Maurice Evans will likely see some time.

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