Paul George undergoes surgery
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George underwent a successful scope of his left knee in Los Angeles on Wednesday, according to the Thunder.
Paul George’s big offseason is starting with some time off.
The Thunder forward and likely free agent is expected to miss six to eight weeks of activity after undergoing arthroscopic surgery Wednesday on his left knee, according to a release from the team.
Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the scope. According to the Thunder’s release, the team, George and his representation mutually agreed that ElAttrache would perform the procedure with team medical personnel in attendance at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, Calif.
George sparked speculation about his procedure early Wednesday afternoon when he posted a picture to his Instagram in which he wore a hospital gown and cap under the caption “Good spirits.” Hours later, the Thunder confirmed the procedure was a successful knee scope.
Arthroscopy involves inserting a miniature camera and surgical instruments into the knee, and can involve a number of different exploratory or repair procedures.
Because the required instruments fit through a small incision, there’s less pain and joint stiffness than in more invasive procedures, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons website. Arthroscopy often shortens the recovery time from knee surgery.
Knee scopes are relatively common in the NBA.
The Thunder’s Russell Westbrook underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in December of 2013, missing 27 games and about eight weeks. In 21 games after his return, he averaged 22.3 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 28 minutes.
Oklahoma City forward Patrick Patterson had a knee scoped last Aug. 10. He missed training camp and all four of the Thunder’s preseason games, making his OKC debut in the regular-season opener on Oct. 19, 10 weeks after the surgery.
In the regular season, George only missed three games: Two consecutive games against Brooklyn (Dec. 7) and Memphis (Dec. 9) with what was called a right calf contusion by Thunder staff, and another game with left knee soreness against Milwaukee on Dec. 29.
In an April road win against Atlanta, George said he suffered a left hip contusion, which was reaggravated in the Thunder’s first-round playoff series against Utah. George also battled what he called right forearm tightness all season.
George has a player option for $20.7 million for this season, but is expected to decline it to become one of the offseason's most highly pursued free agents. George’s player option must be exercised by June 29, two days before the start of free agency.