Celtics Relieved After News About Williams
Four days after cardiac tests in Boston, prayers in Newark, N.J., and extreme caution at the Celtics training camp in Greensboro, N.C., the problem with Eric Williams finally has been found. It was the flu.
On Friday, the Celtics announced that tests revealed “an abnormal finding” in the heart of their second-year forward. Shortly after that news conference, inevitable comparisons to the late Reggie Lewis began. But Williams had been sick with cold and flulike symptoms a week to 10 days before his preseason physical. The illness was enough to throw off the tests, making it appear that there was not enough blood flow in the back of his heart.
“He was really sick before the tests, so the doctors are saying that’s probably what caused the confusion,” said Mark Bartelstein, Williams’ agent, Monday. “We’re just excited that everything is going to be OK. The doctors found no weakness whatsoever in his heart.”
M.L. Carr, the Celtics’ coach and basketball boss, said, “My gosh, this is a huge sigh of relief for all of us. Right now, we’re just being extra cautious until Eric is ready to get himself into shape.”
Williams, 24, is in Greensboro with the Celtics, who are conducting two-a-day workouts, but he is wearing a heart monitor and not practicing. He will not play in Friday’s exhibition opener against the Hornets but will be able to go at full speed when the team returns to Boston Sunday. The monitor, Bartelstein said, is a precaution.
“With the history the Celtics have with this, they are being ultrasensitive,” Bartelstein said. “But the doctors are saying this looks like a one-time thing.”
According to Dr. Deeb Salem, head cardiologist at New England Medical Center, the abnormal test result is not uncommon after a viral illness. Salem, who is not on the Williams case, said a viral infection can cause “localized inflammation” around the heart’s sac, which may lead to a “mimicking” of poor blood flow.
Price, Benoit out
Brent Price, the Houston Rockets’ projected starter at point guard, sprained a ligament in his right knee Monday and will be sidelined 2-3 weeks.
David Benoit, slated to be the New Jersey Nets starting small forward, apparently has a severe Achilles’ tendon injury that will sideline him at least a couple of months.