Catching Up With Brendan Haywood

After injuring his right wrist during training camp (October 2), center Brendan Haywood underwent surgery to repair the torn ligament. Haywood spent two and a half months in a cast before starting rehabilitation. WashingtonWizards.com caught up with him to see how his rehab is going.

WashingtonWizards.com: How has your rehab been going?
Brendan Haywood: My rehab is going pretty well. My trainers and staff have been very good and my doctors have been very good. Everybody has been on me about working hard and doing whatever I need to do to get my wrist healthy.

WW.com: Coach Tapscott recently commended your work ethic and your ability to maintain your weight while being sidelined. How have you managed to stay in shape while rehabbing?
BH: I just try to do a lot of cardio to keep my wind right. I’ve also been doing a little light lifting. Of course I couldn’t lift heavy because my wrist was hurt, but I try to stay in shape with cardio and light lifting.

WW.com: Has there been any progress since you had your cast and the pins removed?
BH: I’ve been able to do more, but I’m still taking it day-to-day. I just want to make sure that it’s completely healed.

WW.com: Have you become better as using your left hand as a result of the injury?
BH: I think that’s the blessing – that’s the silver lining. When I have been able to do court work, I have to use my left hand. I think that will definitely pay dividends in the long run.

WW.com: Has the experience changed you as a player?
BH: I don’t think I’ve changed as a player, but anytime you get a chance to sit down and watch a lot of basketball you learn a lot. I think I’ve learned a lot more about the game by watching (from the sidelines).