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Roger Mason Injury: Wizards' Guard To Have Finger Surgery, Be Released, According To Report

By Mike Prada
Apr. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Roger Mason (8) shoots a free throw during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE
Apr. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Roger Mason (8) shoots a free throw during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

Roger Mason has evidently been playing with a left finger injury for a long time. Now, it's finally become too much to play though. Mason will have season-ending surgery and be released from the team, according to Yahoo! Sports' Marc Spears.

You're probably wondering why the Wizards are waiving Mason instead of just keeping him around to be a veteran presence of sorts. The cold, harsh reality is that this is a numbers game. Thanks to recent signings of Cartier Martin and James Singleton, the Wizards have 15 guys on their roster, the maximum number allowed. Nene, Trevor Booker and Andray Blatche all count even though they aren't playing, but none of them can be released because they have long-term contracts. The team could release Martin or Singleton, but both guys have been impressive, so why get rid of them? That leaves waiving Mason, who is in the last year of his contract, as the only way to find a guy to replace him.

As someone skeptical of the Mason signing when it was first made, I'd like to say that I was pleasantly surprised with what he was able to contribute on the court this year, especially playing through pain. I wish Mason luck in his next spot, whether it's in basketball or elsewhere.

All together now: how u?

UPDATE: The team has confirmed Mason's injury and announced it has signed James Singleton for the rest of the season.