A source with the Portland Trail Blazers has informed me Martell Webster will officially not be returning to action during the rest of the season or the 2009 playoffs.
Although Martell had made it known repeatedly that he planned to play in April and had been seen shooting jumpers in tennis shoes multiple times before games recently, it looks like a return is no longer on the table.
More information coming momentarily.
Update: 4:57PM Here's a tweet from the PR staff...
Some bummer news coming out today as Martell is going to remain sidelined for season and playoffs. Hang in there, Marty! It'll come around.
UPDATE: 4:58PM Here's the press release from the team...
MARTELL WEBSTER TO MISS REMAINDER OF
2008-2009 REGULAR SEASON AND PLAYOFFS
PORTLAND - Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Martell Webster will miss the remainder of the 2008-09 regular season and the 2009 NBA Playoffs, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard.
Webster underwent surgery on Oct. 9 to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. After being sidelined nearly two months, Webster returned to the court on Dec. 7 for Portland's game at Toronto, but re-aggravated the injury.
"This was not an easy decision to make knowing just how hard Martell has worked to get back on the court this season," said Pritchard. "The X-rays show significant progress, but the bone has not completely healed. We feel strongly that an extended period of rest will ensure a full recovery and allow Martell to be ready for fall training camp."
A fourth-year Trail Blazer, Webster initially suffered the injury in an Oct. 7 preseason game vs. Sacramento.
"Throughout the course of the rehab I worked my tail off to get back out there and to come up short is disappointing," said Webster. "Now I just have to refocus my energy on getting better, getting stronger, and being ready for the start of next season."
There are no changes planned to Webster's physical activity level. He will continue to rehabilitate on the stationary bike and elliptical trainer.
Webster, 22, has career averages of 8.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.8 assists while averaging 37.2% (279-for-750) from 3-point range in 219 games (115 starts) with the Trail Blazers.
-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com