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Russell Westbrook undergoes surgery on right knee; to miss beginning of NBA season

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Westbrook will begin the season in physical recovery mode; how long will it take for him to regain complete mobility and impact?

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Phoenix Suns Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Westbrook has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, a precautionary measure after he reportedly experienced stiffness in the knee while preparing for training camp. The procedure will cause him to miss the preseason and potentially the first few games of the regular season, if he is not cleared after a four week recovery period.

Royce Young writes:

Westbrook experienced some stiffness in the knee over the past week during individual workouts while preparing for training camp. He elected to have a standard scope as a pre-emptive “maintenance” procedure rather than potentially dealing with issues throughout the season.

While the timing is not ideal with Thunder training camp opening on Sept. 25, the situation is not viewed by the team as anything to be alarmed about, with no lingering issues anticipated to follow the procedure.

Westbrook initially injured his right knee in an infamous collision with then-Rockets guard Patrick Beverley in the 2013 playoffs. Subsequent to the 2014 season where he underwent three surgeries, Westbrook has not been hindered by the right knee until now. A year ago, he received a PRP injection in his (left? or right?) knee.

Poll

Do you think Westbrook should strive to play in the season opener against the Warriors?

This poll is closed

  • 17%
    Yes! It’s the Warriors!
    (22 votes)
  • 82%
    No way! Long term perspective.
    (102 votes)
124 votes total Vote Now