NEW YORK -- Delisha Milton-Jones knew right away something was wrong with her leg.
The veteran Atlanta Dream forward said she heard a pop while playing against Chicago on Sunday. Turns out she ruptured her right Achilles tendon and will miss the remainder of the season, the Dream announced Wednesday.
Milton-Jones said she'll have surgery in the next week.
"It's not a complete rupture, but I tore enough of it," she said Wednesday after the Dream lost to the New York Liberty 77-75. "It's a wrap for the season on the court, but I still will make my presence being felt in the locker room and on the bench."
Milton-Jones was acquired from New York on July 9 in a trade for Swin Cash. She played in two games for the Dream, totaling nine points, three blocks and two rebounds in 23 minutes. The 16-year veteran ranks eighth in WNBA history with 5,533 points, fifth in rebounds (2,541) and steals (612) and 13th in blocks (337).
"I'm still going to be the player I'd be if I was suited up to play,'' Milton-Jones said. "I just have a different role now -- to be a motivator and bring some calmness in tense situations. Be an extension of the coaching staff. It's about staying focused and consistent."
Atlanta (15-6) is first in the Eastern Conference, 5½ games ahead of second-place Indiana.
"We brought her in for not only what she can do on the court, but also off it," Atlanta coach Michael Cooper said of Milton-Jones. "She'll still be able to provide leadership to the team."
