Jackson to have second back surgery

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CLEVELAND -- Cavaliers forward Luke Jackson will undergo surgery on his back on Thursday, his second operation in less than two years and another setback for the former first-round draft choice.

Luke Jackson

Small Forward Cleveland Cavaliers Profile

2006 SEASON STATISTICS GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT% 36 2.7 1.1 0.7 .341 .788

Jackson has played in just 46 games in two seasons for the Cavaliers, who selected the former Oregon star with the 10th overall pick in 2004.

He missed the final 52 games of his rookie season after having an operation to repair a herniated disc in January of 2005. Jackson broke his left wrist this season and played in only 36 games, averaging 2.7 points, 1.1 rebounds and 8.8 minutes.

The Cavaliers said on Wednesday that Jackson has been complaining of worsening pain in his right leg and back over the past week. X-rays and an MRI revealed a herniated disc and surgery was recommended.

Jackson will need at least four months of rehab, but is expected to recover in time for the start of training camp.

The team said Jackson's injury was not related to his previous back problem, which they claim healed completely.

The injuries have hindered Jackson's development and prevented him from being the kind of contributor the Cavaliers envisioned him becoming as a complimentary player to star forward LeBron James.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press

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