OAKLAND -- Pat McCaw made an appearance at the Warriors facility on Sunday. He would have driven there, but he’s too fragile to get behind the wheel.
He would like to get a good night’s sleep, but the pain is too intense to allow that.
So don’t expect the second-year guard to step on the basketball court anytime soon. Barring a medical miracle, McCaw, sidelined with a lumbar spine bruise, won’t be coming back this postseason.
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“It’s definitely the goal, to get back,” he said. “I definitely miss being out there with the guys, being around the team, just being on the floor and playing the game that I love. All I want is just to continue to progress and get better and only time will tell.”
McCaw sustained the injury March 31 at Sacramento. After lifting off for a dunk, he lost balance in mid-air when his legs were clipped by Kings guard Vince Carter. McCaw landed hard on a back, screaming in agony, before eventually being placed on a stretcher and transported from Golden 1 Center to U.C. Davis Medical Center, where he remained overnight.
“I just remember laying on that ground and praying to God to just make sure that I’d be all right,” McCaw said. “Things could be a lot worse than they are right now. I’m glad I’m able to still stand on my own two feet.”
McCaw has been home since April 1. He has progressed to the point that he is able to walk cautiously and begin light rehabilitation but remains restricted from significant physical activities.
Golden State Warriors
“There’s so much more than just basketball in life, just being able to still have a chance to do what I love to do, still being able to walk, still being able to move on my own,” he said. “Just thinking about all the negatives that could have possibly happened to me, I’m just truly blessed.
“It’s kind of hard for me right now, not being able to play the game I love. But I’m starting to understand that it’s much bigger than just basketball.”