Raptors' Johnson faces surgery
By FRANK ZICARELLI, QMI Agency
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  Raptors forward Amir Johnson sits on the bench during a game in March against the Wizards. Johnson now requires surgery on that ankle. (MARK O'NEILL/QMI Agency) |
SECAUCUS, N.J. - Amir Johnson’s on-going battle with his problematic left ankle will finally have an ending.
It’s not the ending Johnson had in mind, but following a thorough and exhaustive search consulting with medical officials it’s been determined that Johnson requires surgery.
“It’s not what he wanted to hear necessarily, but he would have gone on and struggled,’’ Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo said. “Now, he’ll be taken care of for the long term.”
In early June, Johnson, a native of Los Angeles, will travel to Charlotte, N.C., to have surgery performed by Dr. Robert Anderson, a leading foot specialist who took care of Reggie Evans.
Assuming there is a training camp in early October, Colangelo said Johnson will be fully recovered to participate.
Colangelo also noted that Leandro Barbosa, who battled season-long wrist issues, will not require surgery.
Colangelo referred to Barbosa as a “keeper,’’ a low-maintenance veteran who provided the Raptors with much-needed scoring and backcourt versatility coming off the bench.
Barbosa has a $7.4 million option he can exercise for next season, a decision that has yet to be made.
With so much unknown given the uncertainty of a labour deal, Colangelo admitted he’d entertain the option of discussing an extension with Barbosa.
