07/04/2008

Associated Press

Michael Beasley slightly cracked his sternum in a collision with a teammate earlier this week, yet still could be with the Miami Heat when the team opens summer league play Monday.

Daequan Cook won't be so lucky.

The Heat announced Friday that Cook has separated his left, non-shooting, shoulder, meaning he won't be available for the five-games-in-five-days summer league schedule starting Monday in Orlando. Cook — who suffered the injury Thursday night — will be sidelined 2-4 weeks, a significant blow because the Heat hoped the second-year guard could use a strong summer showing as a springboard into the 2008-09 season.

Beasley, however, may get the chance to make his much anticipated pro debut.

He was elbowed by a teammate in a defensive drill on Wednesday, about 45 minutes into Miami's first practice of the summer session. The No. 2 pick in last week's NBA draft was originally diagnosed with a chest bruise, and tests further revealed the small sternum fracture — something that typically doesn't show up on an X-ray and simply heals over time.

The Heat said Beasley continued participating in non-contact drills with the team Friday and may be cleared for some contact Saturday, when the team is scheduled to practice twice. His status for the start of summer league play — against the Chicago Bulls and No. 1 overall pick Derrick Rose — remains day-to-day.