The Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the Wizards star guard Larry Hughes will miss 4-6 weeks after fracturing his right thumb in the fourth quarter of the Wizards? 108-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns Saturday night.

?I am very disappointed that this happened, but I have full confidence that my teammates will play well while I?m out,? said Hughes. ?I look forward to getting back as soon as possible.?

In his seventh season, Hughes is second on the team and 18th in the league in scoring, averaging 21.2 points per game. Hughes leads the league in steals with 2.82 per game and is also averaging 6.1 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 34 games this season.  He has been an integral part in this year?s Wizards turnaround playing alongside teammate Gilbert Arenas, making up what many say to be the best backcourt in the NBA.
 
?It is very unfortunate that an injury like this occurred,? said Grunfeld. ?Larry has been playing extremely well, but I am confident that his teammates will step up in his absence.?

?Larry is having an exceptional year and this is a difficult loss for our team,? said Head Coach Eddie Jordan. ?We certainly feel for Larry, who has played a big part in our team?s success. We have confidence in our team to overcome a setback like this.?