Star Guard Dunleavy Nears Return From Injury For Pacers

January 5, 2009 12:37 p.m. EST

Indianapolis, IN (AHN) - Indiana Pacers guard Mike Dunleavy is expected to return to the team within a week, after being sidelined for the early part of the season due to a right knee injury.

His knee has been sore this season, though he's been cleared to return and could have played against Sacramento Saturday.

While he's missed every game this season, Dunleavy has not developed the reputation for being injury-prone. He has only missed 11 games in his previous six.

Dunleavy played his first five years as a Golden State Warrior, but struggled near the end of his five-year, $44 million dollar contract.

He didn't jive well with the rest of the team, and was dealt to the Pacers in a massive, eight-player trade.

Dunleavy had a breakout season in 2007-2008, averaging 19.1 points per game, starting every single one of them. He shot .424 from the three-point line, and .476 from the field.

In addition, he was good for 5.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists as well.