National Basketball Association

Report: Jodie Meeks set to return in November

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jodie Meeks had surgery in July to reinforce his fifth metatarsal in his right foot. It appears he will not return to the lineup until November.

Orlando Magic guard Jodie Meeks is set to return in November from surgery to reinforce the fifth metatarsal in his right foot, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports, citing a team source.

Meeks originally injured his foot in the second game of last season with the Detroit Pistons. The injury caused him to miss the rest of the season. He returned though for the end of the season and the Playoffs.

The Pistons then traded Meeks to the Magic for a second round draft pick. Orlando took on the last year of his deal hoping to add some shooting to the team’s lineup.

It looked like Meeks was set to return. He was already working out at Amway Center and looking relatively healthy during Summer League. However, in mid-July the team announced he would undergo surgery to reinforce the injured foot and would be out indefinitely. It was unclear then when he would return, with some hopes he would be ready for training camp.

It appears Meeks is still on schedule in his recovery, although he will likely miss all of training camp and be ready to play early in the season.

Meeks averaged 11.1 points per game and shot a 48.5 percent effective field goal percentage in 2015, his last full injury-free season.

Meeks is a standout 3-point shooter. The Magic acquired him to bolster their 3-point shooting. Missing him certainly puts a little bit of a crunch on the roster.

The Magic though did try to bolster their backcourt some just in case.

Orlando acquired C.J. Wilcox from the Los Angeles Clippers this summer to add more shooting to the backcourt. Wilcox has not played very much in his two seasons. But when the Clippers gave him an opportunity he largely delivered. It certainly is a risk, but the Magic seem in position to give him a chance.

The Magic also signed Nick Johnson and Kevin Murphy for the Summer League roster for training camp to bolster their perimeter play.

Meeks though still figures to have a major role for the Magic this coming season. The question with him will be his health. And it appears the Magic will have to continue waiting to see him when he is ready.