Golden State Warriors’ center Damian Jones underwent surgery for a torn left pectoral muscle, the team announced on Sunday. Jones suffered the injury during the Warriors’ Saturday night loss against the Detroit Pistons.
The team initially believed Jones’ injury was to his left shoulder before having an MRI.
Damian Jones injury update: pic.twitter.com/a59IRdQr9r
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) December 2, 2018
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 23-year-old Jones is likely to be out for the remainder of the regular season following surgery, but the team is holding out for a possible return during the team’s playoff run this spring.
Jones suffered a similar injury after his time at Vanderbilt in 2016 while working out for the Orlando Magic in preparation for the NBA draft. The injury then was to his right pectoral muscle; Jones recovered without any lingering issues.
Following from ESPN.com,
Jones will meet with a specialist in Chicago this week prior to the procedure. A timetable on a possible return to the court — whether sometime later in the playoffs or in the offseason — is expected to be clearer after the procedure.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr told reporters Sunday that Jones would be “out for a long time,” though he did not publicly confirm the surgery.
Jones has been a bright spot for the 15-9 Warriors who lack depth at the center position. Golden State, who signed All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to a one-year deal this offseason, is expecting him to return to action at some point this season as he continues recovery from his Achilles injury.
Head coach Steve Kerr says that rookie Marcus Derrickson will be with the team as they to Atlanta for a matchup with the Hawks on Monday.
Jones is averaging a career-high 17 minutes per game and scoring 5.4 points per games, grabbing 3.1 rebounds, and blocking one shot per game.
