Monday, April 16, 2001

Hardaway hurt,
so Carter’s a starter

Staff & wire reports

MIAMI >> Anthony Carter has become accustomed to replacing veteran guard Tim Hardaway in the Miami Heat's lineup, mostly as his backup.

The former University of Hawaii guard likely will find himself in the starting role for the final three games of the regular season after Hardaway was placed on the injured list yesterday with a bruised left foot.

Yesterday, Carter started for the fourth time this season, finishing with five points and no assists in 17 minutes of a 90-73 loss to the Orlando Magic.

"It's been like this all season," Carter said. "My job is to go out and help the team get as many wins as possible while Tim's out."

Friday, Carter was more effective when replacing Hardaway, who aggravated the injury against Toronto. Carter had 17 points and six assists in that loss.

Hardaway's injury isn't believed to be serious. He is expected to be available when the playoffs start this weekend. Still, the ailment is worrisome, partly because the 34-year-old guard has been hampered by injuries the past two postseasons. And it's the latest blow for a team that has been short-handed virtually all season.

Center Alonzo Mourning missed 69 games with a kidney disease. When guard Eddie Jones returned last week after missing 15 games with a dislocated shoulder, Miami was at full strength for the first time all season.