Raef LaFrentz
Reserve forward Raef Lafrentz will miss the majority off this season due to a shoulder injury. He injured the shoulder in a February game at Seattle and was hoping to avoid surgery. However, the damaged shoulder never healed properly and he is now set to undergo arthroscopic surgery on Sept. 26.
LaFrentz is the third Blazer to undergo surgery this offseason. Brandon Roy had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in mid-August, but is expected to recover in time for the Oct. 28 season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. On Tuesday, Channing Frye had bone spurs removed from his left ankle. He is expected to return in early November.
With both Channing Frye and Raef LaFrentz out, an even greater opportunity has been created for Ike Diogu to step up his game.