National Basketball Association

Amundson out - fractured finger

Published Oct. 18, 2010 10:09 a.m. ET

foxsports

Lou Amundson dislocated the middle knuckle on his right index finger Saturday and has a fracture at its base that will require surgery, the Warriors announced Sunday.

The team will release details for rehabilitation after the surgery has been scheduled and performed. Online medical journals suggest recovery will take between one and four months.

"It's tough, because he was starting to come around and finally had a chance to play," coach Keith Smart said. "He brought energy and toughness to the floor, and now we have to wait for him to come back around again."

After averaging 4.7 points and 4.4 rebounds in 15 minutes a game for Phoenix last season, Amundson signed a two-year deal worth nearly $5 million with Golden State. The 6-foot-9, 225-pound energy man was slated to be the Warriors' backup center, but he missed the first three preseason games with a sore back.

Starting power forward David Lee will play some minutes at backup center, and the Warriors also picked up big man Dan Gadzuric from Milwaukee in the Corey Maggette trade. Power forwards Vladimir Radmanovic and Brandan Wright also can play center.

"We're covered there, but Lou brought a unique skill set that will be missed," Smart said.

After being benched for the entire game in Sacramento on Tuesday, Wright responded with a solid effort at Portland on Saturday. He had 11 points, six rebounds and a blocked shot in 19 minutes.

"He has got to keep talking, keep developing and keep growing, and when his time comes to get on the floor, he'll be productive," Smart said. "That's the way he approached it Saturday."