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.