http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/sports/AP-BKN-76ers-Green.html 76ers Guard Green to Miss Six to Nine Months By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: August 16, 2005 Filed at 7:51 p.m. ET PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Philadelphia 76ers restricted free agent Willie Green will miss six to nine months after undergoing successful surgery on his left knee Tuesday. The 6-foot-2 guard was scheduled to sign a $20 million, six-year contract, but the restricted free agent injured his knee in a pickup game. While contract terms were reached, the deal was never signed. ''I have been in contact with Willie's agent and we are exploring options with Willie,'' team president Billy King said. ''There will be no immediate answer at this time.'' Agent Noah Croom said he was unsure when he'll talk about the contract with King. ''I'm sure that he has some concerns and issues. We'll figure it out,'' Croom said. ''There's no need to get into specifics. We'll have to figure out what our next step is.'' Green thrived as a reserve last year when Allen Iverson was injured, including a 32-point game against Washington in January. In two seasons with the 76ers, Green averaged 7.3 points and 1.4 assists. He was drafted in the second round in 2003 by Seattle and acquired by Philadelphia in a draft-night trade. Croom said Green was optimistic he would return sometime this season and was ready to start his rehab. ''The doctors seemed to think he should be cleared medically within six months, then it's just a matter of when he can play,'' he said.
Not to mention he missed a critical free throw when they were down to the Pistons 93-92 in their playoff series.
This is a situation where he should have pulled a Moochie. Sit on your ass all off-season long and get your star player to lobby for re-signing you. After a long holdout, sign the contract and come into camp grossly out of shape. It's like free money.
