Russell Westbrook Has Setback Before Start Of Pre-Season With 2nd Arthroscopic Knee Surgery.
After suffering a torn meniscus during the 2013 NBA Playoffs, earlier today Russell Westbrook underwent his 2nd surgery in the last five months to fully repair his knee. The Oklahoma City Thunder were the favorites in the west last year; but with Westbrook’s injury, the team saw an unfortunate early 2nd round exit.
In May, he had what trainers thought was a successful lateral meniscus repair, but soon would have lingering swelling in his right knee which became even worse today. After being overly-enthusiastic to kick-off the pre-season and training camp this Saturday, Westbrook was immediately rushed to a surgery. Doctor’s re-scoped his knee and removed the entire tear, which should now fully heal in a month’s time maximum.
The Thunder have a standard 60-win season every year with championship aspirations as well; but they will now look to role players like Jeremy Lamb and Reggie Jackson (expected to see a heavy increase in minutes) to fill the Westbrook-void.
Check after the jump for more on the story and a video conversation.
Heading into last weekend’s media day, Westbrook was upbeat and ready for the season, with Kevin Durant even calling him the heart and soul of the team. Fellow western conference foes, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden St. Warriors should now have more incentive to jump out to an early lead on the Thunder before Westbrook returns back to hardwood and inspires Kevin Durant even more for aspirations of chasing a ring.
Veteran guards Leandro Barbosa, Sebastian Telfair and Daniel Gibson are some of the free agent point guards without a home, that Oklahoma City could look into if anything else negative happens with Westbrook’s knee.
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