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He is expected to have surgery in a week to 10 days, coach Kevin McHale said. Neither the procedure nor his recovery timetable has been determined, although McHale told his players to expect Jefferson to be sidelined six to eight months.
Jefferson learned the diagnosis Monday morning and was “devastated,” said McHale, who broke the news to his crestfallen team before practice.
“I feel terrible for Al,” he said. “Al’s played at such a high level for the team. Everybody around today is just down in the dumps.
“He’s devastated. I told him everything happens for a reason. Hard to tell what this reason is.”
It was the most devastating news possible for a team that finally seemed to be turning the corner after a horrendous first season and a half in the post-Kevin Garnett Era.
“Of course we’re all a little upset and a little down,” forward Ryan Gomes said. “Our guy, our captain, our superstar, is going to be missing for the remainder of our season. Of course our spirits are down.”
Jefferson’s injury, coupled with the absence of forward Craig Smith because of cracked ribs, likely means players such as Love, Collins, Madsen and even Booth (who has seen 40 seconds of action this season) will be called upon more.
“It’s going to be tough not having him in there,” said Love, who called Jefferson a mentor. “But tomorrow, the lights are still going to come on, we’re still going to brush our teeth, put our pants on, put our shoes on, have to lace ’em up and go out there.”
Every rookie has a story: Minnesota’s Kevin Love has to bring energy shots for Mike Miller and Al Jefferson, in addition to singing “Happy Birthday” at every opportunity.
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