By Dan Savage
Updated: April 14, 2011
The Orlando Magic’s J.J. Redick is inching closer to making a return.
However, he was not able to complete his comeback on Wednesday night in Orlando’s regular season finale against the Indiana Pacers as he attempts to battle back from a lower abdominal strain that’s now sidelined him for the past 17 games.
Although Redick went through the team’s entire morning shootaround, the Magic decided to remain patient and instead save his potential return for the postseason.
"The hope is that he'll practice before the playoffs," Magic Head Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "He's getting pretty close."
The Magic’s backup shooting guard has spent weeks diligently working out with Magic Strength and Conditioning Coach Joe Rogowski attempting to rehabilitate and strengthen the muscles in his core.
“I feel like I’m really close to being able to practice,” he explained. “I’m hoping that Friday will be a normal day. That’s what I’m shooting for right now. I’ve been building over the last three or four days to get to that point.”
But while Redick is nearing his return, there’s still some concern about his effectiveness after not participating in game action since March 9.
“I think the stamina thing I don’t think it will take too long, but it will be an adjustment once I get into a game,’’ Redick added. “I’ve been running and conditioning, but there’s nothing that can simulate except playing in a game and hopefully I’ll get to that point and adjust quickly.”
The Magic are hopeful that his adjustment will come sooner rather than later.
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