Pistons’ Thomas Out for at Least 12 Weeks

Isiah Thomas’ wrist injury hurt too much for him to continue playing, as he had hoped to, the Detroit Pistons said Friday in announcing that their all-star guard will undergo surgery and be out for at least 12 weeks.

The decision to have surgery now seemed to hinge, at least in part, on the Pistons’ desire to have Thomas in top shape for the playoffs, when Detroit hopes to make a run for a third consecutive NBA championship.

Coach Chuck Daly said that Thomas’ right wrist had been painful for about nine months, but the pain had become unbearable the last few weeks.

“I am prepared to go without him,” Daly said. “You don’t have a choice. I’ve been contemplating this for a week because of all the injuries he’s had.”

Thomas was voted a starting berth as a guard for the Eastern Conference squad in the NBA All-Star game Feb. 10.

Joe Dumars is expected to become the starting point guard for the Pistons and Vinnie Johnson will take over as No. 1 shooting guard. Rookie Lance Blanks will move into the No. 3 guard spot.

The team also has signed former guard John Long, who played parts of nine seasons for Detroit from 1978-89.

Thomas was examined Wednesday by wrist specialist Kirk Watson in Hartford, Conn. It was found that a ligament connecting two bones was badly damaged, allowing the bones to separate.

Thomas played against Boston on Wednesday night with the wrist heavily taped but was ineffective, taking only four shots and making one.