MIAMI (AP) - The biggest outcome for the Miami Heat on Monday might not be a win or loss against the Indiana Pacers.
It’ll be the word on how long Udonis Haslem is sidelined.
Miami’s backup power forward, co-captain and leading rebounder will miss several weeks because of a torn ligament in his left foot, and the Heat have already reviewed an “exhausting” number of scenarios regarding exactly how long Haslem will be out while recovering.
The final word is expected later Monday after Haslem meets with a specialist, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Surgery is an option.
“We lose a warrior,” Spoelstra said.
In the short term, the Heat plan to give more minutes to Juwan Howard at the spot backing up Chris Bosh. LeBron James and James Jones will be used at that position as well in certain situations, Spoelstra said.
Spoelstra said he and Heat president Pat Riley spoke Sunday about all options, including adding another player, but the indication after Miami’s shootaround practice Monday morning was that no significant roster changes are imminent.
“We feel like we have enough,” Spoelstra said. “We are losing a big component of our defense and our rebounding, and that has been a concern in our five losses, but we went over it today. And if we want to make a collective change in our rebounding and controlling that paint area … individually guys have to make a change. We have to have some career-high rebounding numbers as we move forward from each individual.”
Other players who have had torn foot ligaments are typically out for at least six weeks, though it’s unknown what level of tear Haslem has.
Haslem averaged 8.0 points and 8.2 rebounds through the season’s first 13 games. His tenure matches Dwyane Wade _ who is questionable for Monday with a sprained left wrist _ as tops on the team, both now in their eighth season with Miami.
Haslem is considered by teammates to be not only Miami’s toughest player, but the primary locker-room leader as well.
“His toughness, not disrespecting anybody on the team, is going to be tough to replace,” point guard Carlos Arroyo said. “He’s such a tough guy and what he brings is something special every night. But we have the guys to do it. We understand it’s going to take everybody to continue to work on those details that he provides for us. Rebounding, loose balls, charges. We just have to step up.”
Haslem went down late in the third quarter against Memphis. His body bumped against Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph, and when Haslem went to the ground, he immediately began pointing at his left foot.
Center Jamaal Magloire and trainer Jay Sabol helped carry Haslem to the locker room, which the Heat knew was a very bad sign.
“I’m so used to seeing UD get injured and down on the ground during the game and so many times in 7 1/2 years I just see him pop up through some of the worst bumps and bruises and injuries you can have,” Spoelstra said. “I knew it was probably something a little more serious when he couldn’t get up.”
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