Michael Carter-Williams says he was told injury could cost him 50 games

Michael Carter-Williams had shoulder surgery May 6.

That was seemed strange considering the point guard had played in all the 76ers’ late-season games, but that fact also made the injury seem minor.

So, it was surprising when Carter-Williams wasn’t ready to play late in the summer. And it was surprising he wasn’t cleared in time for training camp. And it was surprising to hear he could miss the start of the regular season.

But we probably should have been operating on a different timeline.

Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News on Carter-Williams:

He said Monday he was told his recovery period would be 6 to 9 months. Carter-Williams has been able to do a lot of drills with the team since training camp, but is still not allowed to play during contact drills.

Brett Brown said yesterday that the 2- to 4-month recovery period initially reported was not correct.

“I heard somebody say 2 months. I don’t know where that information came from. That’s inaccurate,” the coach told reporters

No wonder the 76ers couldn’t trade Carter-Williams. A 6-to-9 month timetable would keep Carter-Williams out until sometime between November and February – or five to 50 games.

Obviously, that’s a significant difference, but it’s at least encouraging that Carter-Williams has not yet missed more time than expected. Setbacks are always troubling.

I’m looking forward to seeing Carter-Williams back on the court, but the tanking 76ers would do well to remain patient. They need Carter-Williams healthy in a year or two much more than they need him on the court this season.