Frank Mason out until after the All-Star Break with plantar fascia tear
By Tyler Watts
Frank Mason has missed significant time with a foot injury and that period will extend through the All-Star Break. Continue reading for more information.
Frank Mason suffered an injury on New Year’s Eve that continues to plague him. The Sacramento Kings announced the point guard would only miss a week than four-to-six weeks and now the news has him out much longer. Below is a Tweet from Sean Cunningham regarding Mason.
Kings rookie Frank Mason III is progressing well with his plantar fascia injury. Experienced no setbacks during recovery. However he will remain out until after the All-Star break to gear up for the rest of the season.
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 5, 2018
What the news means
That means the earliest Frank Mason returns is Thursday, Feb. 22 or seven and half weeks from the date he was injured. The updated seemed optimistic about him returning after the All-Star Break, but it is worth mentioning that Mason is not practicing yet. That means he has two and half weeks to get on the practice court and get in game shape. It is easier said than done coming off a tear in your mid-foot. Stay tuned for updates as they become available on this injury.
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A setback for player and team
The Kings are committed to going young and playing for future seasons. Sacramento only has one young point guard to play when Mason is hurt. That means George Hill and Garrett Temple handle the reserve duties and get minutes instead of young developing players like Mason.
It also stunts Mason’s development as the rookie has shown flashes, but having played just 539 NBA minutes leaves for plenty of room to grow. I have been impressed by his ability to shoot from 3-point distance and run the second unit at 23 years old, but he is not ready for a massive role in any capacity on a playoff team. Hopefully, he returns fully healthy as the Kings exit the All-Star Break and his second half has the organization clamoring for him as the backup point guard for the next decade.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, Frank Mason is out until after the All-Star Break. There is no guarantee he is fully healthy at that time, though. I mentioned at the beginning of this piece that the Kings have already handed out two timelines that were not met, so tuned for more information as it becomes available.
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