WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Raptors guard Alvin Williams is in for a long, frustrating season. Again.
Williams, who has been inactive for the past 16 games because of bone spurs in his right knee, had an MRI done on Monday, and yesterday consulted with knee specialist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala.
The official word won't come down until today, but it appears Williams will have to undergo surgery to remove the spurs, meaning that he'll be lost to the team for another extended period.
The veteran point guard missed all of last season after undergoing microfracture surgery on the right knee on Nov. 22, 2004.
But there was good news on the injury front for the Raptors yesterday. Guard Mike James, who missed Saturday's game in New Jersey because of a sore lower back, returned to the lineup last night against the Wizards.
As well, forward Eric Williams took part in a full practice on Monday and said yesterday he should be ready to play next week.
Williams has missed the past 15 games because of a sore knee.
The Raptors sorely miss Williams' ability to play defence.
