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Gonzalez: Orlando Magic Point Guard Jason Williams To Undergo Knee Surgery Tomorrow

Antonio Gonzalez of the Associated Press reports that Orlando Magic point guard Jason Williams "will have arthroscopic knee surgery" tomorrow and will thus be out of action for "3-4 weeks." This news according to coach Stan Van Gundy.

Williams figures to be the team's third-string point guard this season after serving as Jameer Nelson's primary backup last year, though Josh Robbins reported earlier today that Williams was still in contention for the second-string job. He appeared in all 82 games for Orlando, a career best. But the team committed $15 million to free-agent point guard Chris Duhon this summer, looking to address a longstanding problem of not having a reasonably young backup for Nelson. His stark drop-off in performance in the second half of last season, and in the playoffs, surely was cause for concern.

Williams returned to the team this summer on a one-year, minimum-salary contract. If he indeed misses exactly four weeks after the surgery, he will be able to play again on October 28th, which marks Orlando's season-opener. But he will likely need time after that four-week period to get into playing shape, which could cost him more time. Either way, the Magic are well prepared for his absence.

UPDATE: the Magic just issued this press release, confirming Gonzalez's report:

Orlando, FL – Orlando Magic guard Jason Williams will undergo arthroscopic surgery tomorrow on his left knee, General Manager Otis Smith announced. Williams is expected to miss approximately four weeks of action.

UPDATE: Zach McCann has video of Van Gundy discussing Williams' injury.