Wizards center needs wrist surgery

WASHINGTON, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Doctors say Washington Wizards center Brendan Haywood needs surgery on his right wrist that will cause him to miss up to six months of the NBA schedule.

Haywood was injured Oct. 2 during a training camp practice.

Initially, team officials thought Haywood suffered a sprain but after seeing two hand specialists Wednesday, it was determined that the wrist had a torn ligament that could be treated through surgery.

"Brendan worked extremely hard over the summer after having a career year last season," said Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld. "This is disappointing but we're confident that he will do everything necessary to recover from this injury and continue that progress."

Grunfeld didn't discuss a timetable for Haywood's return but surgery likely will force him to miss the entire 2008-09 season.

The eight-year veteran averaged a career-high 10.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per contest last season while playing in 80 of 82 games.

Another starter, star guard Gilbert Arenas, is out until at least December following recent left knee surgery.