By FRED KERBER
There is still a bit of a worry – they’re dealing with a heart issue, after all – but Josh Boone seemed tremendously relieved regarding the rapid heartbeat he felt Friday at practice.
Boone was re-examined today – complete with another EKG like Friday (“all of them normal,” Boone said). And while doctors said the exam was inconclusive and want to see Boone again on Wednesday, the Nets center claimed he could be back on the court next week.
“If they let me go on Wednesday and they say everything’s fine I’d like to play Wednesday night. I don’t know that they’ll let me. We’ll see,” said Boone. “The doctor said today just limit what you do. You don’t want to risk anything just in case.
“He used the words ’99 to 100 percent not life threatening, not a really big issue’ but it’s just more of a precautionary measure. Just don’t do anything until Wednesday,” Boone said.
Boone gave a recap of Friday when, yeah, he was scared and nervous.
“All of a sudden, I kind of started to feel my heart beating a little bit hard, a little bit fast. I ended up going into the training room, they sent me to the doctor. I talked to the doctor there, went back today and I’ll be going back on Wednesday,” Boone said. “Then it should be good. It’s not something that should last for too long, I don’t think. Everything I’ve been told, it’s not really a worry come a week or two.”
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Boone said he had no history of any heart-related ailments. He said he was suffering from a cold on Friday and was taking medication. He has no idea if there is a connection.
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Nets were shorthanded again. Keyon Dooling called in sick to join an infirmary cast that already included Boone, Eduardo Najera (wrist) and Jarvis Hayes (hamstring). Nets called Dooling’s condition “an upper respiratory infection.” Dooling had been feeling ill in Boston.
“He called tonight. He may have a bug or something like that,” coach Lawrence Frank said.
The last time – last year – that a point guard called in sick, it became big news. Not here.
“No migraines,” Frank joked.
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Frank had hoped to get his rotation set. “Tonight was gonna be the first (try for a rotation) but without Keyon it’s a little different.”
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Jarvis Hayes has begun running and he hopes to start practicing as soon as Tuesday. Najera hopes he’s not far behind.
“I feel much better. They’re going to let me go some time this week, hopefully. Te only thing I’m afraid of is I might fall on it. I’m hoping he lets me go tomorrow (Tuesday),” Najera said
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Frank on the Knicks: “They look great. Even though it’s only been four pre-season games everything they’re about you see they play it very up-tempo.
“They seem to have a great energy and enthusiasm about their way. In the past there has always been early in the year excitement about New York and I think they’re going to be able to sustain it, barring health (issues). I’ve been very impressed watching them play.”