Janell Burse sidelined for entire Storm season

Janell Burse anticipated a lot of excitement for the Seattle Storm this season.

She just didn't figure she'd be the first to make headlines.

Days after text-messaging Storm teammate Sue Bird in April, commenting on their team's "crazy and sick" roster, Burse re-aggravated a Jones fracture — a broken bone on the outside of her left foot — while playing overseas that will keep her from playing this WNBA season.

In an interview with The Seattle Times, Burse said part of the decision to miss the entire season instead of returning after the Olympic break in August is because her veteran maximum salary ($95,000) will not count against the cap if the Storm suspends her. Yet, because she is suspended, Burse cannot return until the 2009 season.

"It's really a matter of me not being sure [when I'll feel healthy] and the salary cap being freed up or tied down," Burse said. "That's a tough call for the organization, but at the same time it is a business and I totally understand that."

Burse, the team's starting center in 2007, re-signed April 13 before suffering the injury in Game 1 of her Prague team's championship series. A WNBA player's contract isn't valid until passing a physical, however.

Brian Agler, Storm coach and director of player personnel, says he likes the remaining options he has in training camp in former league MVP Yolanda Griffith, four-year veteran Ashley Robinson, third-year veteran Shyra Ely, Brazilian pro Kelly Santos, and rookie Natalie Doma.

"This just happened to be the time that my body just said 'No' to me," Burse said of the timing. "But I hate that it happened when it happened with me already signed with the team."

Burse, 28, originally suffered the injury in December 2006 while playing in Prague.

She returned to Houston late Monday and will have her foot re-examined later this month by doctors at Tulane University, where she played college basketball. Surgery is a last option, but Burse noted that it is possible doctors may want to place a screw in the foot or have her wear a boot as part of rehabilitation.

Burse has not signed a contract to play with any overseas teams this fall. After seven seasons of year-round play — dealing with shoulder and wrist injuries, too — she's finally giving her body a break. Burse pushed herself because of the six-figure salaries offered overseas.

"Last season, more than anything, is a reminder of me playing with nagging injuries and pain — especially when I hurt my wrist," said Burse, whose 2007 season averages — 8.8 points and 5.3 rebounds, with five games missed due to wrist surgery — were the worst of her WNBA career. "I played with a lot going on and I don't want to put myself in that situation again. It's too much."

The extra $95,000 under the soft $750,000 cap gives Agler the ability to possibly carry 12 players instead of his intended 11. Agler will be keeping an eye on the WNBA waiver wire for post players.

Notes

• Guard Tanisha Wright is expected to report to camp Thursday, while Lauren Jackson and Bird are expected by May 14 at the latest.

• Doma did not practice in order to study for a college exam today.

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com