Wizards' Dudley expects to return before December following back surgery

Veteran small forward Jared Dudley won't be ready to suit up opening night with his new team, although fans won't have to wait too long before watching the 30-year-old grace the hardwood at the Verizon Center.

It was on July 9 of this year when the Milwaukee Bucks dealt Dudley to the Washington Wizards in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. Shortly after arriving in his new home, the eighth-year pro elected to go under the knife and have back surgery to repair a herniated disc.

In a recent Q-and-A session on his Twitter account, Dudley revealed that his return - which was estimated at three-to-four months after his surgery - will have him back on the floor before the end of November.

In a statement released by the team following the operation, Dudley mentioned how having the surgery was best for his career and his ability to contribute on a team looking to make a deep push in the Eastern Conference next season.

"Although I'm disappointed that I won't be on the floor with my new teammates for the start of training camp, I'm confident that having this surgery now will allow me to perform at my best and contribute throughout the season," Dudley said. "I appreciate the patience and support of the organization and I can assure my teammates and the fans that I will work extremely hard to be on the floor as soon as possible."

Dudley averaged 7.2 points and 3.1 rebounds on 46.8 percent shooting from the field and 38.5 percent from behind the arc in 72 games last season in Milwaukee. He's expected to share a majority of minutes at the three-spot with 22-year-old Otto Porter, who had himself a tremendous showing in last season's playoffs on both ends of the floor in a larger role.