Wizards lose new arrival Howard for season

The Washington Wizards barely had time to get acquainted with new arrival Josh Howard before announcing Tuesday that he will miss the rest of the NBA season after tearing a ligament in his left knee.

Howard was hurt Monday in Washington's victory over the Chicago Bulls.

It was just his fourth game with the Wizards since the team acquired him from Dallas in a seven-player swap on February 13.

Howard collided with Chicago's Flip Murray in the first quarter and stayed on the floor for a minute before he was assisted off the court.

Howard started three games for Washington and averaged 14.5 points a game to help the Wizards go 3-1 since the trade, which sent Caron Butler to Dallas.

"We're disappointed for Josh personally. He did an outstanding job," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said. "We feel bad for him. The guys will have to step up in his absence."

The loss of Howard leaves the Wizards with only 10 players on the active roster. Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton are suspended for the remainder of the season for bringing guns into the team's locker room.

Zyundras Ilgauskas and Mike James, are seeking buyouts. Ilgauskas was acquired from Cleveland in a trade for Antawn Jamison on Februay 16.

Al Thornton, acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the three-team trade featuring Jamison, was expected to start in Howard's place against Memphis on Wednesday.