David Lee injures finger on first day of USA Basketball camp

NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: David Lee #42 of the New York Knicks reacts to a call against the Los Angeles Lakers during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 22, 2010 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Al Bello

UPDATE 8:09 pm: ESPN got a quote from Lee himself, and it doesn’t sound good:

“I looked down and my finger was completely turned to the side,” Lee said. “It’s possibly a tendon or a dislocation of some sort. It’s something I’ve got to go have looked at either way.

6:38 pm: The biggest fear for teams with players representing their country this summer in the World Championships? Injuries.

David Lee had made the Golden State Warriors new owners sweat a little. He injured the middle finger on his right hand during practice. He is on his way to the Bay Area Tuesday night to have the finger examined by team doctors, according to Chris Tomasson of FanHouse.

“I hope it’s not that serious,’' said Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski. “We’ll get him back (Wednesday) ... I don’t know exactly what happened (as to how Lee got hurt). I just know the result of what happened ... Something happened right here (pointing to his finger) that he has to keep it straight. And I don’t know if he’ll be able to play. I don’t know.’'

The injury is to Lee’s non-shooting hand (he is a lefty).

Team USA wants him back, they are already low on big men. Amare Stoudemire backed out in the last few days as did Robin Lopez earlier in the day. The USA needs some big bodies who can bang around inside during the more physical international tournament. (International referees allow far more contact inside than NBA referees are instructed to.)