DENVER (AP) - Guard Stephen Jackson will undergo surgery next week to remove a bone fragment in his left big toe and the Golden State Warriors' leading scorer is expected to miss the rest of the season, coach Don Nelson said Saturday night.
Jackson, second in the NBA in minutes played (39.6) while averaging a team-high 20.7 points, is scheduled to have the surgery Tuesday in Houston."It's an old injury that needs repair," Nelson said before the Warriors' game against the Denver Nuggets. "It's actually bothered him ever since we got him."
Jackson was acquired by the Warriors from Indiana on Jan. 17, 2007, as part of an eight-player swap. A month after the deal, he missed four games because of turf toe.
The toe problem flared up again recently, Nelson said.
"We probably could have held off and done it at a later time, but he's in a lot of pain and there's really no sense in doing that anyway," Nelson said. "We want to play our younger guys, so it's actually a real good time to do this. Then, he's got all summer, and he'll be ready to roll (next season)."
The Warriors, who entered Saturday night's game with a 25-47 record, have dealt with injuries all season. In 44 of their previous 59 games, the Warriors had been without at least two of their projected starters. They've had at least three out in 16 games and four twice due to injury or illness.
The Warriors had only eight players available Saturday, Nelson said, adding he wouldn't have any problem this night getting minutes on the floor for his cadre of young players.
Also out for the Warriors were Corey Maggette (head contusion), Marco Belinelli (right ankle), Andris Biedrins (left ankle) and Jermareo Davidson (left foot).
