CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charlotte Bobcats starting shooting guard Raja Bell is leaning toward putting off surgery and trying to play this season with a torn ligament in his left wrist.
Bell said Tuesday he'll sit out the first week of the season. But if he makes progress, he'll try to play. Surgery would sideline him up to four months.
Bell was injured when his wrist bent awkwardly as he tried grab a loose ball in an exhibition game on Oct. 18.
Acquired in a trade with Phoenix in December, Bell quickly became Charlotte's top defender. He averaged 13 points and four rebounds in 45 games with the Bobcats last season.
Bell recently turned 33 and is in the final year of his contract after the Bobcats rebuffed his request for an extension in the offseason.
