Joe Johnson will miss at least two weeks with tendon instability.
SALT LAKE CITY — Some spooky news was delivered to the Utah Jazz on Halloween.
After missing Tuesday morning’s practice with what was initially believed to be a wrist sprain, an MRI revealed the real issue later that evening.
NBA veteran Joe Johnson will miss at least two weeks with tendon instability in his right wrist before being reevaluated by team doctors.
His absence will be a huge hole to fill as the Utah Jazz (4-3) prepare to host the Portland Trail Blazers (4-3) at 7 p.m. tonight, but coach Quin Snyder is looking for others to step up in his absence – notably Jonas Jerebko.
“Unfortunately, we’re in a situation where Joe (Johnson) and Dante (Exum), a couple of our important players are out. It is what it is,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said during Wednesday’s shootaround. “It’s more than just one guy stepping up, it’s our whole team continuing to execute together and play to each other’s strengths and Jonas is part of that.”
The Jazz are currently sixth in the Western Conference standings, riding an undefeated (4-0) home streak. Exum is also out with a left shoulder injury.
Jerebko has logged four total minutes the season, with no significant stats. The 6-foot-10 Sweden signed as a free agent with the Jazz in the offseason after appearing in 78 games with the Boston Celtics last season where posted 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per game.
Prior to the injury, Johnson was averaging 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in nearly 20 minutes off the bench in his 17th NBA season, but is a much-needed locker room presence with a clutch gene that’s unmatched.
“The things that Joe’s done for us, particularly late in the game, as far as his ability to hit big shots,” Snyder said. “We lose a guy that we consider to be one of our closers late in the game so that just puts more on everybody to connect and execute.”
He injured the wrist during Utah’s 104-89 win against Dallas on Monday, where he logged two points and two rebounds in 16 minutes of action.
Johnson is seven-time NBA All-Star who has the sixth-most career points among active players with 2,0078 in 1,228 games played.
He is also third among active players in minutes, fifth in 3-point field goals and sixth among all field goals made.
Jazz forward Joe Ingles knows the importance of Johnson’s role on the team, but as a professional the team isn’t afraid to adapt until he’s ready to hit the court again.
“This is what we’ve done for years now,” Ingles said. “It’s been guys who haven’t been playing as much and guys will step up and fill in that role.
“Obviously, we hope Joe gets back as soon as he can but until he does, we’ll fill in with who we’ve got.”
