Oklahoma City Thunder news: Patrick Patterson undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery

Reports state Oklahoma City Thunder forward Patrick Patterson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday afternoon.

This procedure comes as a cautionary measure after being monitored during recent workouts by Thunder personnel.

Oklahoma City’s first free-agent signing since relocating stated that he “felt discomfort” in the surgically scoped knee much of last year, and thus elected to have the procedure before regular-season play begins.

With a history of left knee issues, Patterson missed 17 contests both last season and during the 2013-14’ campaign while a member of the Toronto Raptors.

Recovery time for the former Wildcat is placed at four-to-six weeks. This time frame could mean that Patterson will miss the start of training camp. However, the 6’9 three-and-d specialist should return well before the 2017-18’ NBA season tips.

Patterson signed a universally praised $16.4 M three-year deal with OKC on July 4. Many place the seven-year veteran’s signing among this summer’s top-five free-agency value contracts.

Last season, while appearing in 65 contests, Patterson averaged 6.8 PPG, and 4.8 RPG, but struggled —primarily due to knee issues— during Toronto’s ten-game playoff run.

Team officials state no structural damage is present in Patterson’s knee. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic located in Los Angeles.