Heat's Lenard On Injured List

Miami Heat shooting guard Voshon Lenard will start the season on the injured list as he ponders whether to undergo surgery.

Team doctors and coach Pat Riley have recommended an operation to repair the stress fracture in Lenard's left leg. Surgery would likely sideline him for 8-10 weeks in a lockout-abbreviated season that runs only 13 weeks.

There's no guarantee the fracture will heal without surgery.

With the season opener Friday against the Detroit Pistons, Lenard remains uncertain what to do regarding his leg.

"I'm either going to try to see if I can let it heal or if I need the surgery," Lenard said. "It's kind of shocking to me to have to be on the injured list."

Lenard risks a more serious injury by playing, and Riley decided not to take the chance.

"As his coach, I feel this is in his best interests," Riley said. "Despite his courage and his desire to play, I want to make sure this is taken care of. He's done until this heals."

Also placed on the injured list Thursday were forward Terry Mills (sore knee) and center Amal McCaskill (back). The Heat waived center Thomas Hamilton.

Riley designated Dan Majerle as Lenard's replacement in the starting lineup. Miami's offense will be hurt on the perimeter by the loss of Lenard, who ranked sixth in the NBA last season with 153 3-pointers.

His injury was diagnosed at the start of training camp two weeks ago.

Riley said his decision was based on Lenard's tentative play in practice and two exhibition games.

"The final determination is that the doctors believe he need to have surgery," Riley said. "If we're not going to listen to them, then why do we hire them?"

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