Al Harrington injury: Magic forward frustrated with not playing

Orlando Magic forward Al Harrington is growing frustrated as he is nursed back from a staph infection, according to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel.

Harrington, who was traded to the Magic in the four-team deal that sent Dwight Howard to Los Angeles, hasn't played a game yet this season for his new club:

"It's been tough," Harrington said. "I've been hurt before, but I've never been hurt in the beginning of a season. I've played in every home opener my whole career.

"The fact that I'm not playing yet is just frustrating for me, because I know how much I could help this team, and I just love to play the game of basketball. For me, this is the greatest job in the world. It's just eating me up that I can't go out there and compete with my teammates."

The Magic could use the 14-year veteran, too. Orlando is 5-8 this season and sits in fourth place in the Southeast Division. The only team the Magic can lay claim to be better than in their division is the Washington Wizards, who are 0-12 this year.

Harrington, 32, could give the team a much-needed boost. Even as a player off the bench for the Denver Nuggets last season, Harrington averaged 14.2 points per game. He started just one game but played in 64.

Over his career, Harrington has averaged 13.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Harrington said he has an idea for when he wants to return, but "I can't tell the media," according to the Sentinel.