For Rashard Lewis, these Jay-Z lyrics have never rung truer: it was all good just a week ago.
After signing a one-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks for the veterans’ minimum, a knee injury was discovered during the forward’s post-signing physical. As reported by Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports earlier today, Lewis will be forced to undergo right knee surgery to heal the injury and this could lead to the Mavericks voiding the expected deal.
It looks like Rashard Lewis didn't pass his physical (knee) with the Mavs and will be a free agent again
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 23, 2014
Still waiting to find out exactly what's what with Rashard Lewis and the Mavs - but that's my understanding - contract is nulled out
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) July 23, 2014
The Dallas Mavericks found themselves in a similar situation as this last summer. After agreeing to a three-year deal worth $9 million with Devin Harris, a toe injury was later found in the post-signing physical, shelving the deal. Of course, Harris would later join the Mavericks later in the season when he healed up, signing a one-year deal instead of the three-year deal negotiated earlier.
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For Rashard Lewis, this process–and surgery–could have bigger implications on his NBA future than it did Devin Harris. At this point in his career, Lewis is nothing more than a role player who’ll receive fringe minutes on a playoff team. If health isn’t on his side following the surgery, Lewis could be forced into retirement earlier than expected.
Rashard Lewis turns 35 on August 8th.