"When Wizards restricted free agent forward Othyus Jeffers revealed that he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a workout in Chicago last July, the likelihood that he would return to the NBA this season seemed as tenuous as the chances there would actually be a season.

But Jeffers stayed optimistic that the owners and players could reach an agreement and that he could be ready soon thereafter. With the lockout close to officially ending on Friday, Jeffers's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said that his client is "ahead of schedule" and could potentially be ready to contribute in January.

"He's about a month away," Bartelstein said. "I actually spoke to his doctor [on Thursday]. Can't believe how good he's doing. They obviously don't want to rush him too much. But he's already back on the court. So he's doing well. But for him to get back and playing competitively, he's probably a month away.""