The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

GERY WOELFEL

Joe Alexander seemingly can't catch a break.

Alexander, the Milwaukee Bucks' 2008 Lottery pick, who has been sidelined all preseason with a right hamstring injury, is expected to be sidelined now for approximately eight -to-12 more weeks.

Alexander recently got a second opinion from a doctor on the Green Packers medical team and the news wasn't enouraging.

Bucks officials have said Alexander has a strained hamstring, although it is now believed the hamstring is at partially torn.

"It's definitely tough anytime you're not on the court, but you can't think about that  all the time,'' Alexander said. "All you can think about is what you have to do to get better.''

Alexander had a bitterly disappointing rookie season after being the eighth overall pick in the draft. He played in 59 games last season but didn't start any of them.

He wound up averaging 4.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per game.

Alexander worked hard during the offseason and played well in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He appeared to be making noticeable progress in at least breaking into the Bucks' rotation this season.

But then Alexander suffered his hamstring injury just prior to the start of training camp and has been virtually an observer during training camp.

"I feel for Joe,'' Bucks coach Scott Skiles said. "He had a very good summer. It's a big setback for him.''

Despite the setback, Alexander said the injury shouldn't affect his contractual situation. The Bucks have until the end of the month to decide whether to pick up the option for his third season.

"Absolutely not,'' Alexander said. "A hamstring injury is a very temporary problem whereas extending my contract has to do with what will happen in the next four or five years.

"When if you put that against what is happening to me in the next month, this hamstring thing is a very small issue.

"So I don't think it should affect the contract decision, and I don't think it will.''