Steve Wyche of the Washington Post reports: Washington Wizards center Jahidi White will have his ailing left knee examined by former Chicago Bulls doctor John Hefferon early next week in Chicago to determine whether he needs surgery that could cause him to miss training camp and at least part of the preseason.

Hefferon, whom swingman Michael Jordan consulted last season regarding his problematic right knee, will be the third doctor to offer an evaluation on White's knee. White, the team's primary starting center over the past three seasons, recently has had his knee examined by the Wizards' medical staff and New York Knicks doctor Norman Scott.

The Wizards' medical staff has prescribed rest and medication, including anti-inflammatory pills, which White does not want to take for a prolonged period, according to his agent, David Bauman. The results of Scott's exam were not disclosed. However, a source knowledgeable of the situation said White was leaning toward surgery after consultation with Scott.

The Wizards and White agreed to get a third opinion on Tuesday.

If White has to have surgery, it could happen next week. His rehabilitation period would be determined then, but it is unlikely he would be at full strength when training camp begins Oct. 1 in Wilmington, N.C. White and Brendan Haywood were going to compete for the starting job this season but White's setback gives Haywood the early edge.